GB2263275A

GB2263275A - A substantially parallelepiped packet with a sticke r applied across one edge

Info

Publication number: GB2263275A
Application number: GB9226986A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Giorgio Borelli; Antonio Gamberini
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 1992-01-15
Filing date: 1992-12-24
Publication date: 1993-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2012-12-24
Also published as: ITBO920013A0; ITBO920013A1; IT1257629B; GB2263275B; GB9226986D0; DE4243928A1

Description

2263275 1 A substantially parallelepiped packet with a sticker applied

across one edge is The present invention relates to a substantially parallelepiped packet with a sticker applied across one edge. In particular, the invention relates to a packet of cigarettes exhibiting a sticker, which is applied transversely to the longitudinal dimension of the packet. More exactly, the sticker is disposed with one part adhering to one flank face of the packet, and another part to one of the larger faces. Conventionally, the sticker is gummed and applied initially to the flank face of the packet with the packet itself in motion, accommodated in the radial pocket of a revolving wheel, whereupon the packet is ejected from the pocket and directed into a runout channel. T.he projecting flap of the sticker is then flattened by an upper wall of the channel against the adj04ning larger face of the packet.

-L Such a method betrays certain drawbacks, however, - al-in P- - - _ly its tendei-,cy to linit the operating speed c.f th45.- -,..rai,?pin.:given that -Che..,hec-i- 1 1 2 2 555 be rotated intermittently to ensure the packet is transferred correctly into the runout channel, also its potentially damaging effect on the appearance of the packet, inasmuch as the depth of the runout channel must be substantially identical to that of the packet in order to ensure a correct folding action, though at the risk of causing the sticker to move out of position and of producing marks and abrasions on the faces of the packet. one conventional device designed to overcome the above drawbacks is furnished with elements by means of which to restrain the single stickers, each such restraining element being equipped with a folder capable of movement between a retracted position and an external operating position. In this type of device, each restraining element applies a sticker to the larger face of the packet, whereupon, with the sticker still held by the restraining element, the corresponding folder is extended toward the projecting flap of the sticker in such a way as to flatten it against the flank face of the packet. This arrangement allows high operating speeds, as packets can be fed continuously through the deviqe, and the single folders interact w-ith the sticker f --he,:)acket.

on!-;j, _rat-her than.jith the face c.-' 1 - 1 3 is 1) r7 4- Conversely, it has been observed that the limited duration of the contact brought about between the folder and the relative part of the sticker is not sufficient to ensure a firm and lasting application of the sticker to the flank face. The inevitable consequence, given the tendency of the folded sticker to straighten, i.e. to regain its original configuration prior to deformation, is that the flap associated with the flank face of the packet becomes separated and detached, then wrongly folded or torn during the subsequent operations performed on the packet. The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawback mentioned above without occasioning any reduction in operating speed of the wrapping machine. The stated object is realized, according to the present invention, in a packet of substantially parallelepiped shape with a sticker applied across one edge, characterized in that the sticker affords a weakening line positioned to coincide at least with the area destined to enter into contact with the relative edge, in order to reduce the tendency the sticker to regain its initial configuration Of L 2'0 k-o the packet.

as be-E rre application 4 4 The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example,..,ith the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: -fig 1 is a perspective illustration of the packet according to the present invention, shown with the sticker not yet fully applied; -fig 2 is a perspective illustration of the packet according to the present invention, shown with the sticker fully applied. In fig 1 of the drawings, a packet according to the present invention, denoted 1 Inits entirety, is of substantially parallelepiped shape and exhibits a sticker 2 applied across one edge 3. The packet 1, for example a cigarette packet of flip top design, consists in a box or body 6 and a lid 7, joined one to another by way of a hinged connection. In cases where the sticker 2 performs the function of a seal, it will be applied over the line of contact between the body 6 and the lid 7 in such a way as to prevent the packet being opened other than by tearing the sticker 2 itself. The sticker 2 is fashioned with a weakening line 4 (see fig 2), extending across an area destined to enter into contact.,-ith the edge 3 of the packet- to which the sticker is cfL-'fe,--ed-", as in fig 1.

Such a weakening line 4 might be produced by one of a variety of methods, for example by pinching the sticker 2 or incorporating a raised bead, or again by piercing a plurality of aligned perforations or incisions 5 as shown in fig 2. Whatever the manner of fashioning such a weakening line 4, it is essential that the area in question coincide exactly with the relative edge 3 of the packet 1, once the sticker 2 has been affixed. This solution permits of breaking the continuity of the sticker 2, in terms of its mechanical strength, such that when folded along the weakening line 4 over the relative edge 3, the deformation functions as a hinge, and not as a flexible medium assisting the return of the two flaps of the sticker 2 to their former configuration.

6

Claims

Claims

1) 2) 3) ja A packet of substantially parallelepiped shape, with a sticker applied across one edge, characterized in that the sticker affords a weakening line positioned to coincide at least with the area destined to enter into contact with the relative edge, in order to reduce the tendency of the sticker to regain its initial configuration as presented before application to the packet.

A packet as in claim 1, wherein the weakening line consists in a plurality of aligned perforations or incisions.

A packet as in clain, 1, wherein the x.le-zken-L,-g line consists in a raised bead.

A i--acl.,.et as in clairt 1, wherein the line is Produce-5 by pinchincr the sticker.

7 5) A substantially parallelepiped packet with a sticker applied across one edge, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.