GB2533594A - Package - Google Patents

Package Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2533594A
GB2533594A GB1422991.8A GB201422991A GB2533594A GB 2533594 A GB2533594 A GB 2533594A GB 201422991 A GB201422991 A GB 201422991A GB 2533594 A GB2533594 A GB 2533594A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
line
layer
wrapper
cut line
lid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1422991.8A
Inventor
Hill Mark
Shaw Mark
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd
Original Assignee
Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd filed Critical Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd
Priority to GB1422991.8A priority Critical patent/GB2533594A/en
Priority to PCT/GB2015/053511 priority patent/WO2016102917A1/en
Publication of GB2533594A publication Critical patent/GB2533594A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • B65D85/1036Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • B65D85/1036Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank
    • B65D85/1045Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/62External coverings or coatings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52Details
    • B65D75/58Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5805Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52Details
    • B65D75/58Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5827Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/0406Rigid containers in preformed flexible containers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22Details
    • B65D77/30Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during filling or closing of containers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22Details
    • B65D77/30Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during filling or closing of containers
    • B65D77/32Tearing-strings or like flexible elements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • B65D85/1036Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank
    • B65D85/1045Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge
    • B65D85/1054Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge combined with an outer sleeve connected to the lid
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52Details
    • B65D75/58Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5827Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
    • B65D75/5833Tear-lines provided in a wall portion for tearing out a portion of the wall
    • B65D75/5844Tear-lines provided in a wall portion for tearing out a portion of the wall the portion of the wall being a narrow strip, e.g. between lines of weakness

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Abstract

A package 30 comprises a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge. The lid is movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position. A wrapper 20 of flexible multilayer laminate sheet material surrounds the container. The wrapper 20 comprises a first layer and a second layer outside the first layer. A first cut line 105 in the first layer lies adjacent the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container and provides a line about which the wrapper can separate. A second cut line 107 in the second layer defines a perimeter of a tear strip 21. The first cut line 105 lies within the second cut line 107. The first cut line may be a line of weakness and an audible snap sound may be produced when the first layer is separate along the first line of weakness.

Description

PACKAGE
Background
It is desirable that a packaged product remains fresh for as long as possible. One type of packaged product is a tobacco industry product, such as a package of cigarettes.
A popular type of cigarette packaging comprises a container with a box and a hinged lid. A plastic film wrapper is initially provided around the container. The plastic film provides some protection against moisture ingress and offers some evidence if a person has tampered with the package. However, after initial opening of the package the plastic film is often discarded.
There is a requirement for alternative packaging. Summary This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An aspect of the invention provides a package comprising: a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position; a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material surrounding the container, the wrapper comprising: a first layer; a second layer outside the first layer; a first cut line in the first layer, the first cut line lying adjacent the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container, the first cut line providing a line about which the wrapper can separate when the lid is opened; a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second cut line.
The first cut line may be a first line of weakness in the first layer which requires an opening force to separate the first layer along the first line of weakness.
The first line of weakness may be configured to cause an audible snap when the first layer is separated along the line of weakness.
The line of weakness may be one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
The second cut line may be a second line of weakness in the second layer.
The second line of weakness may be configured to cause an audible snapping sound when the tear strip is removed.
The second line of weakness may be one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
The second cut line may be a continuous cut line along the second layer which extends fully through the second layer and the wrapper may further comprise a non-permanent adhesive between the tear strip and the first layer to retain the tear strip until it is first removed.
The container may comprise a front face, a rear face and two side faces, with the hinge located on the rear face, and the line of contact may extend along the front face and the two side faces of the container.
The wrapper may comprise a non-permanent adhesive between the tear strip and the first layer.
The wrapper may be secured to the lid of the container. The wrapper may be secured to the body of the container.
The wrapper may further comprise a third layer outside the second layer, wherein the second cut line is defined in the second layer and the third layer.
The wrapper may further comprise a third layer inside the first layer, wherein the first cut line is defined in the first layer and the second layer.
Another aspect of the invention provides a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material for surrounding a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position, the wrapper comprising: a first layer; a second layer outside the first layer; a first cut line in the first layer, the first cut line configured to lie adjacent the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container, the first cut line providing a line about which the wrapper can separate when the lid is opened; a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second cut line.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a package comprising: providing a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position: fitting a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material around the container, the wrapper comprising a first layer, a second layer outside the first layer, a first cut line in the first layer, a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second outline; wherein the fitting comprises aligning the first outline in the first layer with the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container.
The term "cut line" includes a line of weakness. Examples of possible lines of weakness are a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line and a crenellated line.
In this specification, the term "non-permanent adhesive" means an adhesive which allows two surfaces to adhere to one another and which also allows the surfaces to be separated non-destructively from one another. An example of a non-permanent adhesive is a resealable adhesive, such as a peelable Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), where an adhesive bond is achieved by applying pressure to the adhesive.
An advantage of at least one example is that it is possible to determine if the package has been tampered with before a user first opens the package.
An advantage of at least one example is that the contents of the package can remain fresh until a user first opens the package.
An advantage of at least one example is that the container can be a simpler, lower cost, item as it no longer forms the exterior of the package. For example, the exterior finish of the container can be a simpler, lower cost, finish (e.g. matt instead of glossy) and does not need to be printed. Instead, the wrapper forms the exterior of the package.
The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a container which can form an inner part of a package with a lid opened; Figure 2 shows the container of Figure 1 with the lid closed: Figure 3 shows a package comprising a laminate wrapper around the container of Figures 1 and 2, the package shown in an unopened state; Figure 4 shows the package in an unopened state with the tear tape removed from the laminate wrapper; Figure 5 shows the package in an opened state; Figure 6 shows the package in a closed state; Figure 7A shows an example of a two-layer laminate wrapper; Figures 7B and 7C show cut lines in the layers of the laminate wrapper of Figure 7A; Figure 8A shows an example of a three-layer laminate wrapper; Figures 86 and 8C show outlines in the layers of the laminate wrapper of Figure 8A; Figures 9A-9D show examples of cut lines formed in layers of the laminate wrapper; Figure 10 shows a web of laminate material; Figure 11 shows an example method of forming a package.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.
Figures 1-6 show an example package. Figure 1 shows a container 10 which can form an inner part of the package. The container 10 is shaped as a cuboid, with a front face 1, rear face 2, side faces 3, base 4 and top 5. The container 10 comprises a first container portion (body) 11 and a second container portion (lid) 12. The second container portion 12 is hingedly connected to the first container portion 11 about a hinge line 13 located on the rear face 2. In use, items (e.g. cigarettes) are held in the first container portion 11. The second container portion 12 forms a hinged lid for the first container portion 11. Figure 1 shows the hinged lid 12 in an open position. Figure 2 shows the hinged lid in the closed position. A frame 8 is fixed to the first container portion 11. The frame 8 defines an access opening 9. The frame 8 retains contents of the container, while also allowing access to the contents. The frame 8 serves to provide frictional resistance when the lid 12 is closed, and serves to prevent the lid from accidentally opening. The frame 8 can be fixed (e.g. by adhesive) to an inner region of the front face 1. The lid 12 meets the first container portion along a line of contact 14A, 148. In the closed position the lid 12 abuts against the body 11 along the line of contact 14A, 148. A part of the line of contact 14A extends along the front face 1. Another pad of the line of contact 148 extends diagonally along each of the side faces 3, from the front face 1 to the hinge line 13 on the rear face 2. The container 10 can be formed of card, a polymer material, or any other suitable material. The material may be biodegradable and/or compostable.
The package can be for tobacco industry products, such as cigarettes. More generally, a package can be provided for any type of packaged commodity.
Figures 3-6 show an example of a package 30 with a laminate wrapper 20 fitted around the container 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 shows the package 30 in an initial, unopened, state. Figure 4 shows the package 30 in an unopened state with a tear tape removed from the laminate wrapper. Figure 5 shows the package 30 with a lid of the package opened. Figure 6 shows the package 30 in a reclosed state.
The laminate wrapper 20 comprises two or more layers of flexible sheet material which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper 20 is secured around the container 10 and, advantageously, is sealed along all free edges. For example, an edge located along a longitudinal face (e.g. side face 3 or back face 2) is sealed. Edges 26 of the wrapper located on top and bottom faces 4, 5 of the package are sealed. Advantageously, the wrapper 20 can be sealed in an airtight manner (i.e. hermetically sealed) around the container 10. The wrapper 20 is intended to remain around the container after the package has been opened for the first time. The wrapper 20 has a tear strip 21 which can be opened by a user. The tear strip overlies the line of contact 14A, 148 between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container 10.
The tear strip 21 can have an enlarged portion 22 at one end to allow a user to more easily grasp the tear strip.
The wrapper 20 has cut lines defined in the layers of the laminate. A cut line 107 in the outer layer of the laminate defines the tear strip 21. Cut line 107 can be a cut line which follows a closed path in the outer layer. The tear strip 21 from one end of the hinge line, along one of the side faces, along the front face, and along the other of the side faces to the other end of the hinge line. Figure 3 shows the package in an initial, unopened, state with the tear strip 21 intact. In use, a user prises up, or grasps, the enlarged portion 22 of the tear strip 21 and pulls the tear strip 21. The tear strip 21 separates from the remainder of the laminate wrapper.
There are various options for the tear strip 21. The tear strip 21 can comprise a portion of an outer layer, or outer layers, of the laminate wrapper 20 which is defined by a cut line. In contrast with conventional tear strips, the tear strip 21 does not require a strip of additional material which is bonded to the wrapper 20. Instead, a portion of the outer layer(s) of the multi-layer wrapper serves as the tear strip 21.
In one example, the tear strip 21 is bonded to an underlying layer by a non-permanent adhesive (e.g. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, PSA). The non-permanent adhesive retains the tear strip 21 in place until it is removed by a user.
In another example, there is no bonding of the tear strip 21 to an underlying layer by adhesive. Advantageously, this example requires the portion of the outer layer(s) forming the tear strip 21 to remain connected to the portion of the outer layer(s) adjacent the tear strip until the tear strip 21 is removed. For example, the cut line defining the tear strip 21 can be a line of weakness which does not fully cut through the outer layer(s) along the length of the cut line, such as a perforated line, a score line or a crenellated line.
In another example, the tear strip 21 is bonded to an underlying layer by a permanent adhesive.
In any of the above examples the tear strip 21 can serve as a tamper indicator. The thin tear strip 21 curls after it has been removed and cannot easily be refitted to the package. This provides a clear indication to a user that the package has been opened.
Figure 4 shows the package after the tear strip 21 has been removed. An inner layer of the laminate wrapper is exposed through a window of the outer layer. A cut line 105 in the inner layer is exposed through the window of the outer layer. The cut line 105 lies adjacent to the line of contact 14A, 14B between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container 10. Stated another way, the cut line 105 overlies the line of contact 14A, 14B between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container 10. The cut line 105 provides a line about which the wrapper can separate when the lid is opened. Figure 4 shows an expanded view of the cut line 105 in the inner layer. The cut line 105 can be a line of weakness, such as a perforated cut line, a score line, a scribe line or a crenellated line. Figure 4 shows a perforated line with perforated portions 111 and non-perforated portions 110 where the inner layer has not been cut and remains intact. The non-perforated portions 110 can be called 'catch points'. An opening force must be applied to the lid 12 to separate the first layer along the first cut line 105. The inner layer exposed through the window of the outer layer can have a contrasting colour to the outer layer. For example, the inner layer can be a foil or other metallised layer having a silver colour. This further helps to indicate to a user when the tear strip has been removed. An alternative form of the cut line 105 is a score line, scribe line or crenellated line which only extends partially through the depth of the inner layer. When an opening force is applied to the cut line, the outer layer separates along the line. The breaking can be accompanied by an audible snapping sound.
Figure 5 shows the package after the lid has been opened. To open the package, a user grasps the lid 12 and body 11 and pulls the lid 12 relative to the body 11 about the hinge line 13. The cut line 105 in the inner layer of the wrapper 20 is severed as the lid 12 is rotated about the hinge line 13. The 'catch points' 110 shown in Figure 4 break. As the catch points break, they make an audible snapping sound. The breaking of cut line 105 serves as a second tamper indicator. Once the cut line 105 has been severed, it is clear to a user that the package has been opened. The wrapper 20 remains around the container 10. The wrapper 20 moves with the lid 12. Adhesive 28 between the wrapper 20 and lid 12 retains the wrapper in place on the lid 12.
Figure 6 shows the package after the lid has been reclosed. The wrapper 20 remains around the container 10. Similarly to Figure 4, the inner layer of the laminate wrapper is exposed through a window of the outer layer. The inner layer of the wrapper recloses along the (now severed) cut line 105.
Advantageously, the wrapper 20 is secured to the lid 12 in all, or a part of, hatched region 28 shown in Figure 3. This improves grip between the part of the wrapper 20 around the lid 12, and allows the wrapper 20 to remain around the lid 12 when the flap 21 is lifted. It prevents the wrapper 20 from slipping off the lid 12 when the flap 21 is lifted. Health and Safety regulations in a territory may also require that any wrapper 20 is secured to the container 10.
An advantage of providing a wrapper 20 around a container 10 is that the container can be a simpler, lower cost, item as it no longer forms the exterior of the package. For example, the exterior finish of the container can be a simpler, lower cost, finish (e.g. matt instead of glossy) and does not need to be printed.
An example of a two layer laminate is shown in Figure 7A, comprising: a first (inner) layer 101 and a second (outer) layer 102. The first layer 101 is bonded to the second layer 102 by adhesive 104. The first layer 101 can be formed, for example, of a polymer material, such as orientated polypropylene (OPP), a foil or a metallised polymer. The second layer 102 can be formed of a similar material as the first layer, or a different material. A foil layer is particularly advantageous at providing a moisture barrier to maintain freshness. The second layer 102 can be the same polymer material as the first layer 101, or a different polymer material. The layers 101, 102 can be laminated together utilising a permanent lamination adhesive 104 or by a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). The Pressure Sensitive Adhesive can be used between the layers 101, 102 locally in the region where the tear strip 21 overlies the first layer 102, or the Pressure Sensitive Adhesive can be used generally between these layers.
Figures 7B and 7C show cut lines formed in the layers 101 and 102 respectively. First layer 101 will form the inside of the wrapper 20 and second layer 102 will form the outside of the wrapper 20. A cut line 105 is formed in the first layer 101 but not the second layer 102. Cut line 105 will be aligned, in the assembled package, with the line of contact 14A, 14B between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container. There may be some offset between cut line 105 and the line of contact 14A, 14B due to variability in the packaging process. A cut line 107 is formed in the second layer 102 but not the first layer 101. The cut line 107 defines a window which overlies the cut line 105. That is, cut line 107 comprises a pair of lines which are parallel to the cut line 105. Cut line 107 is also parallel to the line of contact 14A, 14B.
Figures 8A-8C show a three layer laminate wrapper comprising: a first (inner) layer 201, a second (intermediate) layer 202 and a third (outer) layer 203. Similar to Figure 7A, the first layer 201 is bonded to the second layer 202 by adhesive 204. The second layer 202 is bonded to the third layer 203 by adhesive 205. One or more of the layers can be a metal foil, or a metallised polymer layer.
Figures 8B and 8C show cut lines formed in the layers 201-203. Two of the three layers have the same cut lines. Layer 201 will form the inside of the wrapper 20 and layer 203 will form the outside of the wrapper 20. A cut line 105 is formed in at least the layer 201. Cut line 107 is formed in at least layer 203. The intermediate layer 202 can have the same cut line as layer 201 or layer 203. In a first example, layer 201 has the cut line 105 shown in Figure 8B and the pair of layers 202, 203 have the cut lines 107, 108 shown in Figure 8C. A non-permanent adhesive, such as a resealable adhesive, is provided in the region 21 between the layers 201 and 202 to provide a tear strip 21. In a second example, layers 201, 202 have the same cut line 105 shown in Figure 8B and the layer 203 has the cut line 107 shown in Figure 8C. A non-permanent adhesive, such as a resealable adhesive, is provided in the region 21 between the layers 201 and 202 to provide a tear strip 21. The first example provides the tear strip 21 with additional thickness as the tear strip 21 comprises the pair of layers 202 and 203.
The adhesive (e.g. pressure sensitive adhesive) applied to region 21 of any of the embodiments may be patterned to leave an area without any adhesive to make the tear strip easier to open. In Figure 7B, an area beneath the enlarged portion 22 of the tear strip can be left free of adhesive, or have a reduced amount of adhesive. This allows the enlarged portion 22 to be easily lifted up and used to pull off the tear strip 21.
Figures 9A-9D show example cut lines 105, 107 which can be formed in layers of the laminate wrapper 20. Each of the examples shows a cross-section through a layer and a plan view of the layer. Figure 9A shows a cut line which is continuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. The cut line extends fully through the layer, as shown in the cross-section A-B. As there is a continuous cut fully through the layer, the layer will easily separate along the cut line.
Figure 9B shows a cut line which is discontinuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. This type of cut line is a perforated cut line. This type of cut line is an example of a line of weakness. The cut line comprises non-perforated portions 110 where the layer has not been cut and remains intact, as shown in the cross-section A-B. The cut line also comprises perforated portions 111 where the cut line extends fully through the layer, as shown in the cross-section C-D. The layer is weakened along the cut line. When a force is applied to the line of weakness, such as by applying an opening force to the lid of the container or by pulling the tear strip 21, the force will rupture the non-perforated portions 110 and the layer will separate along the line of weakness. This rupturing can cause an audible snapping sound.
Figure 9C shows a cut line which is continuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. The cut line extends partially through the layer, as shown in the cross-section A-B.
This type of cut line is a score line or scribe line. This type of cut line is an example of a line of weakness. The layer is weakened along the cut line. When a force is applied to the line of weakness, such as by applying an opening force to the lid of the container or by pulling the tear strip 21, the force will rupture the line of weakness. This rupturing can cause an audible snapping sound, especially when used on the cut line of the inner layer(s). When a user applies an opening force to the hinged lid, the force is applied to the cut line on the front face.
The inner layer(s) will rupture in one sudden action, causing the audible snap.
Figure 9D shows a cut line which is continuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. The cut line extends partially through the first layer. The depth of the cut vanes along the cut line. Two cross-sections are shown. At cross-section A-B the cut extends a first depth into the layer. At cross-section C-D the cut extends a second depth into the layer. The second depth is greater than the first depth. This type of cut line can be called a crenellated line. The line can alternate between the cut depths shown in the two cross-sections along the length of the line. The first depth may be zero, such that the line has some portions which are not cut at all, and some portions where the cut line extends partially into the layer. This type of cut line is an example of a line of weakness. The layer is weakened along the cut line.
When a force is applied to the line of weakness, such as by applying an opening force to the lid of the container or by pulling the tear strip 21, the layer will separate along the line of weakness. This rupturing can cause an audible snapping sound.
In one example of the package, the cut line 107 in the outer layer(s) of the laminate wrapper is a continuous cut line of the type shown in Figure 9A. The cut line 105 in the inner layer(s) of the laminate wrapper is a line of weakness, of the type shown in Figure 9B, 9C or 9D. In another example of the package, the cut line 107 in the outer layer(s) of the laminate wrapper is a line of weakness, of the type shown in Figure 9B, 9C or 9D. The cut line 105 in the inner layer(s) is also a line of weakness, of the type shown in Figure 9B, 9C or 9D. When a user removes the tear tape it makes an audible 'snapping' noise, confirming that the package has not previously been opened. In another example of the package, the cut line 107 in the outer layer(s) of the laminate wrapper is a line of weakness, of the type shown in Figure 9B, 9C or 9D. The cut line 105 in the inner layer(s) is a continuous cut line of the type shown in Figure 9A.
As will be appreciated the shape and design of the cuts may be varied according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of each design. As the cut designs become more complex and/or the dimensions of the cut lines increase the time taken to form the openings may increase.
The above embodiments have been described in relation to a two-layer and three-layer laminates, but as will be appreciated any number of layers may be utilised. The layers of the laminate material may be selected to provide the desired mechanical and tactile 15 performance.
The PSA is selected such that a sufficient bond is formed to retain the tear strip 21 in place before the initial opening. A PSA can be used to bond the layers 101 and 102 in other regions away from the region 21 where the tear strip is located. The strength of the PSA bond in those other regions can be modified compared to the strength of the bond used for the region where the tear strip 21 is located. Advantageously, the bond in regions away from the region 21 where the tear strip is located can be of higher strength to prevent delamination during use. The required bond may be achieved by the selection of an appropriate adhesive and/or by the amount of that adhesive utilised.
Although the illustrated example is of a standard size and shape of a cigarette box, the package can be designed for any quantity of products and is not limited to the size and/or shape shown in the illustrated example. The size of the lid relative to the body of the container can be modified, as necessary. The package is not limited to a package for tobacco products and can be applied to a package for other types of products such as, for example, confectionery or foodstuffs.
Figure 10 shows a web 70 of laminate material for forming the wrappers described above. The web 70 comprises a continuous length of laminate material. The web 70 can be divided into pieces 71 by cutting along lines 72. Each piece 71 is used to form a wrapper 20. The web has the cut lines 105, 107 to define a tear strip 21. Typically, the outer surface of the web is printed with labelling indicia.
A method of packaging a product will now be described with reference to Figure 11.
At block 301 a container is provided. The container has a body and a lid. The container has a line of contact between the body and lid. At block 302 the container is filled with a product, such as tobacco industry product (e.g. cigarettes) or a foodstuff. At block 303 a laminate wrapper is fitted around the container. The wrapper is fitted such that cut lines in the wrapper are in register with a line of contact between the body and the lid of the container. Edges of the wrapper 20 are sealed. At block 303 the wrapper 20 is sealed to the container 10. This can be achieved in various ways. In a first way, adhesive is applied to an outer face of the container 10 (e.g. to the front face 1 of the lid) and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted. In a second way, adhesive is applied to an inner surface of the wrapper 20 before the wrapper is fitted around the container 10 and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted. In a third way, the wrapper 20 is provided, in advance, with an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be covered by a cover sheet during storage of the wrapper. When the wrapper is fitted to the container the cover sheet is removed to expose the adhesive, and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted around the container.
Any of the cut lines described above may be formed by cutting a laminate material using lasers. Other cutting techniques may be used as appropriate. For example the cuts may be formed in the layers prior to lamination, or different cutting technologies may be used.
It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.
Any reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items. The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.
The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.
It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

Claims (24)

  1. Claims 1. A package comprising: a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position; a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material surrounding the container, the wrapper comprising: a first layer; a second layer outside the first layer; a first cut line in the first layer, the first cut line lying adjacent the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container, the first cut line providing a line about which the wrapper can separate when the lid is opened; a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second cut line.
  2. 2. A package according to claim 1 wherein the first cut line is a first line of weakness in the first layer which requires an opening force to separate the first layer along the first line of weakness.
  3. 3. A package according to claim 2 wherein the first line of weakness is configured to cause an audible snap when the first layer is separated along the line of weakness.
  4. 4. A package according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the line of weakness is one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
  5. 5. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second cut line is a second line of weakness in the second layer.
  6. 6. A package according to claim 5 wherein the second line of weakness is configured to cause an audible snapping sound when the tear strip is removed.
  7. 7. A package according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the second line of weakness is one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
  8. 8. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second cut line is a continuous cut line along the second layer which extends fully through the second layer and further comprising a non-permanent adhesive between the tear strip and the first layer to retain the tear strip until it is first removed.
  9. 9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container comprises a front face, a rear face and two side faces, and the hinge is located on the rear face, wherein the line of contact extends along the front face and the two side faces of the container.
  10. 10. A package according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a non-permanent adhesive between the tear strip and the first layer.
  11. 11. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wrapper is secured to the lid of the container.
  12. 12. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wrapper is secured to the body of the container.
  13. 13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wrapper further comprises a third layer outside the second layer, wherein the second cut line is defined in the second layer and the third layer.
  14. 14. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wrapper further comprises a third layer inside the first layer, wherein the first cut line is defined in the first layer and the second layer.
  15. 15. A wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material for surrounding a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position, the wrapper comprising: a first layer; a second layer outside the first layer; a first cut line in the first layer, the first cut line configured to lie adjacent the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container, the first cut line providing a line about which the wrapper can separate when the lid is opened; a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second cut line.
  16. 16. A wrapper according to claim 15 wherein the first cut line is a first line of weakness in the first layer which requires an opening force to separate the first layer along the first line of weakness.
  17. 17. A wrapper according to claim 16 wherein the first line of weakness is configured to cause an audible snap when the first layer is separated along the line of weakness.
  18. 18. A wrapper according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the line of weakness is one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
  19. 19. A wrapper according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the second cut line is a second line of weakness in the second layer.
  20. 20. A wrapper according to claim 19 wherein the second line of weakness is configured to cause an audible snapping sound when the tear strip is removed.
  21. 21. A wrapper according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the second line of weakness is one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line.
  22. 22. A wrapper according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the second cut line is a continuous cut line along the second layer which extends fully through the second layer and further comprising a non-permanent adhesive between the tear strip and the first layer to retain the tear strip until it is first removed.
  23. 23. A method of forming a package comprising: providing a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position; fitting a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material around the container, the wrapper comprising a first layer, a second layer outside the first layer, a first cut line in the first layer, a second cut line in the second layer, the second cut line defining a perimeter of a tear strip, wherein the first cut line lies within the second cut line; wherein the fitting comprises aligning the first cut line in the first layer with the line of contact between the body and the lid of the container.
  24. 24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the wrapper is the wrapper according to any one of claims 15 to 22.
GB1422991.8A 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Package Withdrawn GB2533594A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1422991.8A GB2533594A (en) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Package
PCT/GB2015/053511 WO2016102917A1 (en) 2014-12-22 2015-11-18 Package

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1422991.8A GB2533594A (en) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Package

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2533594A true GB2533594A (en) 2016-06-29

Family

ID=54704017

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1422991.8A Withdrawn GB2533594A (en) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Package

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2533594A (en)
WO (1) WO2016102917A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10562662B2 (en) * 2015-09-25 2020-02-18 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container including outer film

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4947994A (en) * 1988-05-25 1990-08-14 Scepter Manufacturing Company Limited Container wrapper, and methods and apparatus for making same
GB2297966A (en) * 1995-02-14 1996-08-21 Gd Spa Packet, particularly for cigarettes
EP0950618A2 (en) * 1998-04-15 1999-10-20 G.D Societa' Per Azioni A packet for tobacco products
GB2503738A (en) * 2012-07-06 2014-01-08 Parkside Flexibles Europ Ltd Laminate for forming a package

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1153723A (en) * 1965-06-09 1969-05-29 Molins Machine Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to Packets
DE2652079C2 (en) * 1976-11-15 1983-08-25 Focke & Pfuhl, 2810 Verden Pack made of composite film and method for producing a multilayer composite film
GB2031385B (en) * 1978-09-13 1982-09-29 Molins Ltd Cigarette packets
EP0343857A3 (en) * 1988-05-25 1990-10-24 Philip Morris Products Inc. Container wrapper, and methods and apparatus for making it
AT411246B (en) * 2002-02-20 2003-11-25 Josef Rath PACKAGING

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4947994A (en) * 1988-05-25 1990-08-14 Scepter Manufacturing Company Limited Container wrapper, and methods and apparatus for making same
GB2297966A (en) * 1995-02-14 1996-08-21 Gd Spa Packet, particularly for cigarettes
EP0950618A2 (en) * 1998-04-15 1999-10-20 G.D Societa' Per Azioni A packet for tobacco products
GB2503738A (en) * 2012-07-06 2014-01-08 Parkside Flexibles Europ Ltd Laminate for forming a package

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10562662B2 (en) * 2015-09-25 2020-02-18 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container including outer film

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016102917A1 (en) 2016-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9975680B2 (en) Re-sealable packages with independently peelable lidding member portions
JP5116081B2 (en) Tamper evident resealable closure
US9848640B2 (en) Easy-opening reclose systems for cigarette packaging
RU2012135281A (en) CLOSING PRODUCT INDICATING PACKAGING INTEGRITY
CA2861401A1 (en) Packaging and method of packaging
WO2017060736A1 (en) Package
JP2019524568A (en) Resealable container with improved resealable adhesive label
EP3148794A1 (en) Laminate for forming a package
GB2538267A (en) Package
WO2016102917A1 (en) Package
AU2014351587B2 (en) Packaging with easy opening feature
GB2533593A (en) Package
US20170349365A1 (en) Package
EP3148795B1 (en) Sheet for forming a package
GB2564419A (en) Package
GB2525192A (en) Package for tobacco industry products
EP3274164A1 (en) Package

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)