GB2538267A

GB2538267A - Package

Info

Publication number: GB2538267A
Application number: GB1508127.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nevins Sarah; Shaw Mark
Original assignee: Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Parkside Flexibles Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-13
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-13
Also published as: GB201508127D0; GB2538267B

Abstract

Package 5 including first sheet panel 11 forming a back of first compartment 21 and a second sheet panel 12 forming front of the compartment. First and second panel are permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges 6, 7. First and second panel have transverse edges 24, 25 forming access opening to compartment. Third sheet panel 13 forms back of second compartment 22 and fourth sheet panel 14 forms the front, third and fourth panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges. A transverse edge of third panel is hinged to the transverse edge of second panel proximate the access opening so second compartment lies against first compartment. A fifth sheet panel 15 forms a flap of the package. A first non-permanent seal 33, 34 is provided between first and second panel proximate the access opening. Second compartment is provided with either a second non-permanent seal 35, 36 between third and fourth panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to second compartment; or permanent seal 81, 82 between third and fourth panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and an openable portion (50, fig 8) on fourth panel. Second panel may have an openable portion to allow access to first compartment. Package may be for tobacco.

Description

PACKAGE

Background

It is desirable that packaged commodities remain fresh for consumption for as long as possible. While it is possible to maintain a packaged commodity in a hermetically sealed condition up to the point of opening, the quality of the packaged commodity can deteriorate after the package is opened.

GB 2516695A describes a package in the form of a pouch with two storage compartments. The compartments are sequentially accessed.

There is a requirement for an alternative package. 10 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 present disclosure provides a multi-compartment package comprising: a first sheet panel forming a back of a first compartment and a second sheet panel forming a front of the first compartment, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel having transverse edges forming an access opening of the first compartment; a third sheet panel forming a back of a second compartment and a fourth sheet panel forming a front of the second compartment, the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, a transverse edge of the third sheet panel hinged to the transverse edge of the second sheet panel proximate the access opening to allow the second compartment to lie against the first compartment; a fifth sheet panel forming a flap of the package, the fifth sheet panel connected to the first sheet panel; a first non-permanent seal between the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel proximate the access opening; and wherein the second compartment is provided with one of: a second non-permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the interior of the second compartment; a permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and the fourth sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the second compartment.

The first sheet panel, the second sheet panel, the third sheet panel, the fourth sheet panel and the fifth sheet panel are panels of a single continuous flexible sheet, with the second sheet panel folded against the first sheet panel, the third sheet panel folded against the second sheet panel, the fourth sheet panel folded against the third sheet panel, the fifth sheet panel folded against the fourth sheet panel.

The package may further comprise a cut line between the first compartment and the second compartment, the cut line defining a line of weakness to allow the second compartment to be separated from the first compartment.

The fifth sheet panel may have a length which is less than twice the length of the first sheet panel.

The fifth sheet panel may have a length which is greater than the length of the first sheet panel and less than twice the length of the first sheet panel.

The fifth sheet panel may have a pair of transverse fold lines which are offset from each other to define a stand region, wherein when the fifth sheet panel is folded around the package the stand region is located adjacent a base of the first compartment and a base of the second compartment to provide a stand for the package.

At least one of the non-permanent seals may comprise a peelable adhesive seal.

At least one of the non-permanent seals may comprise a resealable adhesive seal.

At least one of the compartments may further comprise a reclosable or a resealable fixing.

The package may comprise one or more further compartments. The second compartment may be provided with a second non-permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the interior of the second compartment. The package may further comprise: a sixth sheet panel forming a back of a third compartment; a seventh sheet panel forming a front of the third compartment, the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel permanently sealed along opposing side edges, a transverse edge of the sixth sheet panel hinged to the transverse edge of the fourth sheet panel proximate the access opening to allow the third compartment to lie against the second compartment; and wherein the third compartment is provided with one of: a third non-permanent seal between the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the third compartment, a permanent seal between the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and the seventh sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the third compartment.

The openable portion may be reclosable.

The openable portion may be resealable to provide a resealable opening in that compartment.

The sheet panel in which the openable portion is formed may be a multi-layer laminate, and the openable portion may be defined by cut lines in the layers of that sheet panel, the cut lines being offset from one another to form the resealable opening.

The sheet panel in which the openable portion is formed may be a multi-layer laminate and the openable portion may be defined by: a first cut line in at least a first of the layers of the laminate defining a first flap portion; a second cut line in at least a second layer of the laminate defining a second flap portion, wherein the at least a first of the layers is different from the at least a second of the layers; wherein the second cut line is located within the first cut line, the arrangement of the first and second cut lines allowing the first flap portion and the second flap portion to be lifted together to create an opening in the laminate, the first flap portion separating from the second layer in a peripheral region of the first flap portion between the first and second cut lines, and wherein a resealable adhesive seal is provided between the peripheral region and the second layer of the laminate.

The sheet panels comprise a laminate having a plurality of layers.

One of the layers of the laminate may comprise a barrier layer.

The package may be in the form of a tobacco pouch, which can store hand-rolling tobacco. Alternatively, the package may be used to store any other desired product, such as food or confectionery.

Another aspect provides a multi-compartment package comprising: a first sheet panel forming a back of a first compartment and a second sheet panel forming a front of the first compartment, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges and along respective first transverse edges, and an openable portion provided on a front of the second sheet panel to allow access to an interior of the first compartment; a third sheet panel forming a back of a second compartment and a fourth sheet panel forming a front of the second compartment, the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, a first transverse edge of the third sheet panel hinged to a first transverse edge of the second sheet panel to allow the second compartment to lie against the first compartment; a fifth sheet panel forming a flap of the package, the fifth sheet panel connected to the first sheet panel; and wherein the second compartment is provided with a permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and is further provided with an openable portion on a front of the fourth sheet panel to allow access to an interior of the second compartment.

The first compartment can be accessed independently of the second compartment. This can allow different products to be stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, such as different tobacco products (e.g. different types or flavours of tobacco), or tobacco in one of the compartments and smoking paraphernalia (e.g. papers) in another of the compartments. The second compartment on the front of the package may be accessed, and exhausted, before opening the first compartment at the back of the package. This can allow contents of the first compartment to remain sealed until they are needed.

The various panels of the package can be formed from a single continuous sheet.

This can simplify manufacturing/production of the package. In an alternative example, one or more of the panels may be provided as a separate element and connected to an adjacent panel by a further seal.

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 first example of a flat sheet used to form a package with multiple compartments; Figure 2 shows a side view of an assembled package formed using the flat sheet of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a back view of the assembled package; Figure 4 shows the assembled package with flap open; Figure 5 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package, with a separable compartment and reclosable/resealable fixings; Figures 6A-6C show examples of cut lines which can be used in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package, in which an openable portion is provided on the front face of the front compartment; Figure 8 shows the assembled package with flap open; Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the front panel of the front compartment of the package of Figure 8 in the region where an openable portion is provided; Figure 10 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package with three compartments; Figure 11 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package with three compartments and an openable portion is provided on the front face of the front compartment; Figure 12 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package with multiple compartments and a stand; Figure 13 shows a side view of an assembled package formed using the flat sheet of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows another example of a flat sheet used to form a package in which an openable portion is provided on the front face of each of the compartments.

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.

Figure 1 shows a first example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. Figures 2-4 show a package 5 assembled from the flat sheet shown in Figure 1. The package is in the form of a pouch having multiple compartments 21, 22. A first compartment 21 is hingedly connected to a second compartment 22. The compartments 21, 22 are independently openable. A flap 15 is connected to the first compartment 21 and can fold around the package. The flexible sheet material can have a single layer (i.e. a monoweb) or it can have multiple layers bonded together (i.e. a laminate).

In one example, the package is formed from a single continuous sheet of material 10 which is folded about fold lines F1-F5 to form the package. Edges 6, 7 on opposing sides of the sheet 10 will be called side edges. Other edges of the panels will be called transverse edges as they extend across the sheet 10 between the side edges 6, 7. For clarity, the term "panel" is used to describe a portion of the continuous sheet 10 which forms a different face or pad of the assembled package. The example shown in Figure 1 comprises five panels 1115. A first sheet panel 11 forms a back face of the first compartment 21 and a second sheet panel 12 forms a front face of the first compartment 21. The first sheet panel 11 is connected to the second sheet panel 12 about a common transverse edge. A third sheet panel 13 forms a back face of the second compartment 22 and a fourth sheet panel 14 forms a front face of the second compartment 22. The third sheet panel 13 is connected to the fourth sheet panel 14 about a common transverse edge. A fifth panel 15 forms a flap of the package. The fifth sheet panel 15 is connected to the first sheet panel 11 about a common transverse edge 24.

In Figure 1, the numerical order of the fold line labels F1-F5 indicates an advantageous order in which the folds are performed. An arrow at each fold line indicates the direction of the fold. The continuous sheet 10 is folded in the manner of a concertina. Firstly, the first (back) compartment 21 is formed by folding panel 12 against panel 11 about fold line Fl. This brings the first sheet panel 11 and the second sheet panel 12 in face-to-face relationship. Then, the sheet is folded about fold line F2 to bring the back face of the second compartment 22 alongside the front face of the first compartment 21 in face-to-face relationship. Then, the fourth panel 14 is folded against panel 13 about fold line F3 to form the second compartment 22. This brings the fourth sheet panel 14 and the third sheet panel 13 in face-to-face relationship. The second compartment 22 is hinged to the first compartment 21 about transverse edges 25 of the second sheet 12 and third sheet 13. Finally, the sheet 10 is folded about fold line F4 and F5 to form the flap 15 around the package.

Figure 1 also shows the location of seals between the panels 11-14 to form the compartments of the package. The seals are formed when the flat sheet 10 is formed into the package. Two types of seal are used in the package: permanent seals and non-permanent seals. The term "permanent seal" means a seal which provides structural integrity to a seam of the pouch and which is not intended to be opened by a user. For example, it can be a strong adhesive bond or a heat weld. An example of a permanent seal is where the polymers of the panels, under heat, melt and weld together giving a permanent seal. The term "non-permanent seal" means a seal which provides a seal between two surfaces, but which can be opened by a user by applying an opening force between the surfaces. The non-permanent seal can be considered a temporary seal. In one example, the non-permanent seal can be a peelable adhesive seal.

In Figure 1, the first sheet panel 11 and the second sheet panel 12 of the first compartment 21 are permanently sealed to one another along, or adjacent to, opposing side edges 6, 7 by permanent seals 31, 32. Similarly, the third sheet panel 13 and the fourth sheet panel 14 of the second compartment 22 are permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges 6, 7. In the assembled package, a transverse edge 24 of the first sheet panel 11 and a transverse edge 25 of the second sheet panel 12 lie alongside one another. These edges form an access opening to the first compartment 21. A non-permanent seal 33, 34 is provided along, or adjacent to, the transverse edges 24, 25 of the access opening. Non-permanent seal 33, 34 serves to seal the first compartment 21 until it is first opened by a user pulling apart the edges 24, 25. Similarly, in the assembled package a transverse edge 25 of the third sheet panel 13 and a transverse edge 26 of the fourth sheet panel 14 lie alongside one another. These edges 25, 26 form an access opening to the second compartment 22. A non-permanent seal 35, 36 is provided along, or adjacent to, the transverse edges 25, 26 of the access opening. Non-permanent seal 35, 36 serves to seal the second compartment 22 until it is first opened by a user pulling apart the edges 25, 26. The non-permanent seals 33, 34 and 35, 36 can extend up to the edges 6, 7 of the sheet 10, or stop short of the edges. To ensure a hermetic seal, there should advantageously be some overlap between the permanent seals 31, 32 and the non-permanent seals 33, 34 and 35, 36. The non-permanent seals 33, 34 and 35, 36 can provide a hermetic seal until they are opened.

The perimeter of each compartment 21, 22 is bounded by permanent seals 31, 32 and at least one non-permanent seal 33, 34, 35, 36 which provides a hermetically sealed environment for the commodity packaged within the compartment.

During assembly, it may be advantageous to form the first compartment 21 and fill the first compartment 21 with a commodity (e.g. tobacco or smoking paraphernalia) before forming and filling the second compartment 21 with a commodity.

In the example of Figure 1 the fifth sheet panel 15 used to form the flap has a length which is longer than one of the sheet panels 11-14 but less than two of the sheet panels 11- 14. This provides one full face 15A and a shorter tab 15B which can be used to secure the flap against the remainder of the package. This can provide security to the pouch. The flap may be shorter, or longer, than shown in Figure 1. The flap can comprise a non-permanent seal for sealing the flap against the remainder of the package. For example, the flap can carry an adhesive tab. The tab can have resealable adhesive applied to an inner face of the tab for forming a resealable seal. Another example is that an inner face of the flap itself can have a region of resealable adhesive applied to it for forming a resealable seal. In a package which stores tobacco in the first compartment 21, portion 15A of the flap also serves as an area for hand-rolling tobacco. In use, a user can pull tobacco out of the access opening of the first compartment 21 or the second compartment 22 onto the flap 15A and use the flap as a rolling surface.

The non-permanent seals 33, 34 and 35, 36 can comprise a peelable adhesive seal. A peelable adhesive is an adhesive which provides a seal, but which allows the seal to be opened by applying a separating force to the panels of the compartment. A peelable adhesive layer can be pattern applied by means of Flexographic, Gravure, or digital printing/coating or by transfer application. For example, the peelable adhesive can be applied with a weight in the range 0.5 -12 grams/square metre, depending on the formulation of the adhesive and application process. A peelable adhesive seal will typically not allow resealing after the seal has been opened. For a package which stores tobacco, it is advantageous that the peelable adhesive has minimal tack after the seal has been opened, such that tobacco does not stick to the seal.

If a resealable seal is required, the non-permanent seal may comprise a resealable adhesive seal, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). A PSA will adhere two surfaces, but allow their separation and later re-adherence. The PSA can be applied during manufacture by means of Flexographic, Gravure, Digital printing/coating or by transfer application. A typical weight range for the PSA is 0.5 to 20 grams/square metre.

Figure 1 shows the location of the non-permanent seals on the panels 11-14. The non-permanent seal may be achieved by applying adhesive to only one of the panels of the compartment (e.g. just at location 33 on panel 11), or by applying adhesive to both panels of the compartment (e.g. at location 33 on panel 11 and at location 34 on panel 12). The permanent seals 31, 32 can be formed by heat sealing, i.e. applying heat to the region where the seal is required until the pair of sheet panels are fused together. Advantageously, the permanent seals 31, 32 are weld seals which are sufficiently strong to hold the pack together in normal use.

An alternative way of forming the combination of permanent seals 31, 32 and nonpermanent seals 33, 34, 35, 36 will now be described. The sheet material used to form the pouch can have a variable heat sealing range. The adhesive properties of the sheet material vary according to temperature applied to the material. The material has a first (high) adhesion for a high applied temperature and a second (lower) adhesion value at a lower applied temperature. The material can be designed such that the first (high) adhesion is suitable for the permanent seals, and the second (lower) adhesion value is suitable for the temporary seals. The package can be formed by using a variable temperature sealing flat sheet which applies temperatures to regions of the flat sheet which are appropriate to the adhesion values required in those regions. In the case of a variable heat seal, either the sealing temperature or dwell time can be altered, or a combination of both temperature and dwell time. The sheet material can comprise a co-extruded Polythene that exhibits variable heat seal properties depending on the combination of polymers used. In general, the flat sheet of material 10, a layer of the flat sheet of material and/or a coating of the sheet of material may have adhesive properties which vary according to temperature applied to the material.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show a package 5 formed using the sheet 10 of Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a side view of an assembled package formed using the flat sheet of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a back view of the assembled package. Figure 4 shows the assembled package with flap open. The first compartment 21 and the second compartment 22 lie alongside one another. The hinged connection between the second compartment 22 and the first compartment 21 allows the second compartment 22 to be lifted, and to remain connected to the first compartment. Flap 15A, 15B folds around the second (front) compartment 22 and tab 15B folds around part of the first sheet panel 11 of the first (back) compartment 21.

Figure 5 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. The sheet 10 is the generally the same as Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows two possible modifications to the sheet of Figure 1. A first modification is the addition of a cut line 45 between the second sheet panel 12 and the third sheet panel 13. The cut line 45 can be co-located with the fold line F2 or offset from it. The cut line 45 is located between the non-permanent seal lines 34, 35. The cut line 45 provides a line of weakness which allows the second compartment 22 to be separated from the first compartment. The user of the package 5 may wish to remove the second compartment 22 at any of various points during the lifetime of the package, such as: before the second compartment 22 is first opened; after the second compartment 22 has been opened, or after the contents the second compartment 22 have been used. Some possibilities for the cut line 45 are shown in Figures 6A-6C. Examples of the cut line 45 are a perforated cut line, a score or scribe line, and a crenellated cut line.

Figures 6A-6C show some examples of a cut line 45 which can be formed in the sheet material 10. Each of Figures 6A-6C show a cross-section through the material and a plan view of the material.

Figure 6A shows a cut line 45 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 46 where the material has not been cut and remains intact, as shown in the cross-section A-B. The cut line also comprises perforated portions 47 where the cut line extends fully through the material, as shown in the cross-section C-D. The layer is weakened along the cut line. When a force is applied to the cut line 45, the force will rupture the non-perforated portions 46 and the package will separate along the cut line 45.

Figure 6B shows a cut line which is continuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. The cut line extends partially through the material, 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, the package will separate along the cut line 45.

Figure 6C shows a cut line which is continuous along the surface, as shown in the plan view. The cut line extends partially through the material. The depth of the cut varies along the cut line. Two cross-sections are shown. At cross-section A-B the cut extends a first depth into the material. At cross-section C-D the cut extends a second depth into the material. 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. The layer is weakened along the cut line. When a force is applied to the line of weakness the package will separate along the cut line 45.

In any of the examples, the cut line 45 may be formed by a laser cutting machine, or by a die cutting machine.

The purpose of the cut line 45 is to weaken the sheet material 10 so that it can be separated more easily in a defined place. In the case where the sheet material 10 is a laminate comprising multiple layers, the cut line 45 may extend through all of the layers of the laminate (e.g. a perforated line may have perforations which extend through all of the layers of the laminate), or the cut line 45 may only extend partially through the layers of the laminate (e.g. a score line, scribe line or crenellated line which extends through one or more of the layers of the laminate, but not through at least one or more other layers of the laminate).

Returning to Figure 5, a second modification in the sheet of Figure 5 is the provision of a reclosable or resealable fixing 71, 72, 73, 74 to each compartment 21, 22. A reclosable fixing may close the compartment, so as to prevent contents from escaping, without providing a seal. A resealable fixing may close the compartment, so as to prevent contents from escaping, and also provide a degree of sealing to the compartment. An example resealable fixing is a zipper. Typically, a fixing has two elements which cooperate to provide a seal. In Figure 5 compartment 21 is provided with a fixing element 71 on the first sheet panel 11 and a fixing element 72 on the second sheet panel 12. Similarly, compartment 22 is provided with a fixing element 73 on the third sheet panel 13 and a fixing element 74 on the fourth sheet panel 14. A reclosable/resealable fixing may be provided on only one, or both, of the compartments 21, 22. In Figure 5 the reclosable/resealable fixing 71, 72 is shown inwardly of the non-permanent seal 33, 34, with respect to the compartment 21. That is, in use, the nonpermanent seal 33, 34 is opened to reveal the reclosable/resealable fixing 71, 72 within the compartment 21. Alternatively, the reclosable/resealable fixing 71, 72 can be located outside the non-permanent seal 33, 34.

A package may have only the first modification, the second modification shown in Figure 5 (reclosable/resealable fixings 71-74) or both modifications.

A package formed using the sheet shown in Figure 5 can have any of the features described above in respect of Figure 1. The assembled package is as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4.

Figure 7 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. Similar to Figures 1 and 5, the package is in the form of a pouch having multiple compartments 21, 22. A first compartment 21 is hingedly connected to a second compartment 22. The compartments 21, 22 are independently openable. A flap 15 is provided to fold around the package. The flexible sheet material can have a single layer (monoweb) or multiple layers bonded together (laminate). The package can be formed from a single continuous sheet of material 10 which is folded about fold lines F1-F5 to form the package. The main difference, compared to earlier examples, is that the second (front) compartment 22 has permanent seals 31, 32, 81, 82 around the entire perimeter of the compartment. The fourth sheet panel 14 has and an openable portion 50 to allow access to an interior of the second compartment 22. Figure 8 shows the assembled package 5, with the openable portion 50 in the front of the second (front) compartment 22. The openable portion can have any desired shape and/or orientation.

Referring again to Figure 7, a permanent seal 81, 82 is located along, or adjacent to, transverse edge 25 of the third sheet panel 13 and transverse edge 26 of the fourth sheet panel 14. When the package is assembled, the fourth sheet panel 14 is folded against the third sheet panel 13, about fold line F3, and the permanent seal 81, 82 is formed between the third and fourth sheet panels. In use, a user can open openable portion 50 to gain access to the second compartment 22. The second compartment 22 can be accessed independently of the first compartment. The first compartment is accessed in the same way as previously described, by pulling apart transverse edges 24, 25.

A perimeter of the openable portion 50 may be defined in some manner, such as by a cut line in at least one layer of the fourth sheet panel 14. The cut line can be a line of weakness. That is, the cut line weakens the flexible sheet part such that, when force is applied to the openable portion 50, the openable portion 50 will open along the line of weakness. The line of weakness can, for example, be a score line, a scribe line or a perforated line. In another example the perimeter of the openable portion 50 may be defined by a tear strip. When force is applied to the tear strip the flexible sheet 10 will rupture along the path of the tear strip to provide an openable portion 50 of the wrapper.

The openable portion 50 of the compartment 22 can be resealable. There are various ways of providing a resealable opening. A perimeter of the openable portion 50 can be defined, for example, by a cut line, a line of weakness or a tear strip. This creates an opening at the time of first opening the compartment. The openable portion 50 can comprise a flap in the fourth sheet panel 14. The package can also comprise an adhesive label or similar element to reclose or reseal the openable portion 50 to the remainder of the flexible sheet part after the opening has been created. For example, the label may be larger than the flap. In an example where the flexible sheet part is formed of a multiple layer laminate, it is possible to provide a resealable opening within the layers of the laminate material, without the need for an additional label. This reduces the number of elements of the package and reduces the number of steps of the manufacturing process. This type of resealable opening is now described in more detail.

In an example where the sheet material 10 is a multi-layer laminate, the openable portion 50 can be defined by offset cuts in different layers of the laminate. This can provide a resealable opening in a package. This type of opening is described in WO 2014/006223 A1.

Figure 9 shows a cross-section through only the fourth sheet panel 14 of the package taken along the line X-X' of Figure 8. In this example, the laminate comprises an outer layer 61 and an inner layer 62. The layers 61, 62 are bonded together by adhesive 63. A first cut line 64 is formed in the outer layer 61 but not in the inner layer 62. A second cut line 65 is formed in the inner layer 62 but not in the outer layer 61. The cut lines 64, 65 are offset from one another. Cut line 64 in the outer layer 61 defines the outer perimeter of the openable portion 50. Cut line 65 in the inner layer 62 defines a perimeter of an access opening in the inner layer 62. Cut line 65 in the inner layer 62 also defines a perimeter of a peripheral region which extends continuously around three sides of the access opening.

The cut lines 64, 65 define a flap 50 of laminate material which is unitary with the rest of the panel 14 along the top edge of the flap. In the peripheral region 67, 68 the outer layer 61 of the flap is separable from the inner layer 62. In a central region 69 of the flap the outer layer 61 will remain adhered to the inner layer 62. In use, a user grasps the distal end 66 of the flap. The resealable adhesive 63 may be patterned to leave a region 67 with less adhesive, or no adhesive at all. This allows end 66 of the flap to serve as a pull tab. The pull tab may therefore be easily lifted up and used to pull open the flap. The outer layer 61 separates from the inner layer 62 in region 68. The resealable adhesive 63 may remain adhered to the outer layer 61 or to the inner layer 62. Within cut line 65, the outer layer 61 and the inner layer 62 of the laminate will remain bonded to one another and will lift as a unitary element. This creates the access opening. When a user wishes to reclose the package, the flap is reclosed. In the peripheral region 68, the outer layer 61 of the flap adheres to the inner layer 62 due to the resealable adhesive 63. The package can be reopened and reclosed multiple times.

While Figure 9 shows a two-layer laminate, it is also possible to provide a resealable openable portion 50 in a laminate having a higher number of layers. For a three layer laminate, cut line 64 can be formed in the outer layer 61 and cut line 65 can be formed in the innermost two layers. Alternatively, cut line 64 can be formed in the outermost two layers 61 and cut line 65 can be formed in the innermost layer.

The cut line 64 may be a continuous cut through the full thickness of the outer layer 61 (or outermost layers in the case of a three-layer laminate). Alternatively, the cut line 64 may define a line of weakness, and may take the form of one of the examples shown in Figures 6A-6C. A user is required to apply an opening force to the openable portion 50 at the time of first opening to fully form the cut line. An advantage of a line of weakness is that the user is provided with a visible indication of previous tampering of the product.

In any of the examples, the cut lines 64, 65 may be formed by a laser cutting machine, or by a die cutting machine.

The example of Figure 9 may include a cut line 45 (not shown) between the first compartment 21 and the second compartment 22 in the same manner as shown in Figure 5. The example of Figure 9 may include a reclosable/resealable fixing in the first compartment 21 in the same manner as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 10 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. Similar to the previous example of Figure 1, the package is in the form of a pouch having multiple compartments. In this example, the sheet 10 can form a package having three compartments 21, 22, 23. A first compartment 21 is hingedly connected to a second compartment 22. The second compartment 22 is hingedly connected to a third compartment 23. The compartments 21, 22, 23 are independently openable. A sixth panel 16 and a seventh panel 17 form the third compartment. A flap 15 is provided to fold around the package. The flexible sheet material can have a single layer (monoweb) or multiple layers bonded together (laminate). The package can be formed from a single continuous sheet of material 10 which is folded about fold lines F1-F7 to form the package. In the example of Figure 10, the third compartment 23 has a non-permanent seal 37, 38.

While examples have been described with two or three compartments 21, 22, 23, any desired number of compartments can be provided. Each further compartment requires a further pair of panels 16, 17.

Figure 11 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. Similar to the previous example of Figure 10, the package is in the form of a pouch having three compartments 21, 22, 23. In this example, the third (front) compartment 23 has permanent seals 31, 32, 83, 84 around the entire perimeter of the compartment and an openable portion 50 located in the seventh sheet panel 17. The openable portion 50 is the same as previously described for the openable portion 50 in respect of Figure 7.

Figure 12 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. The assembled package is shown in Figure 13. Figure 12 is similar to Figure 1, but the fifth panel 15 has an additional fold line F6. The pair of transverse fold lines F5, F6 are offset from each other to define a stand region 15C. When the fifth sheet panel is folded around the package (Figure 13) the stand region 15C is located adjacent a base of the first compartment 21 and a base of the second compartment 22 to provide a stand for the package 5. The stand 15C can allow the package to stand or stack more readily when displayed at a point of sale. Any of the examples described above can be modified in this way.

Figure 14 shows another example of a flat sheet 10 of flexible sheet material which can be used to form a package 5. The sheet is similar to Figure 7. In this example, both compartments 21, 22 have permanent seals and an openable portion 50, 52. The first (back) compartment 21 has permanent seals 31, 32, 53, 54 around the entire perimeter of the compartment and the second sheet panel 12 has an openable portion 52. The openable portion 52 can have any desired shape and/or orientation. A permanent seal 53, 54 is located along, or adjacent to, transverse edge 24 of the first sheet panel 11 and transverse edge 25 of the second sheet panel 12. When the package is assembled, the second sheet panel 12 is folded against the first sheet panel 11, about fold line Fl, and the permanent seal 53, 54 is formed between the first and second sheet panels. In use, a user can open openable portion 52 to gain access to the first compartment 21. The example of Figure 14 can be combined with any of the described or claimed features. For example, the package can include a cut line between the compartments. The package can comprise more than two compartments of the type shown in Figure 14.

In any of the examples described above, one or more of the compartments 21, 22, 23 can be divided into sub-compartments. A compartment may be divided into sub-compartments by providing an additional seal line within the compartment.

As described above, the sheet material used to form the pouch can comprise a laminate. One or more layers of the laminate can serve as: an Oxygen barrier; a moisture barrier, an anti-microbial barrier; an odour barrier. A breathable layer could also be provided.

A breathable layer can allow gases that build up in packages, e.g., coffee to escape the package without affecting the seal.

Some examples of three-layer laminates suitable for the sheet 10 will now be described. In each example, the layers are: (i) an outer (printable) layer; (ii) a barrier layer; (iii) a sealant layer which can be heated to form the permanent seals. Layers (i)-(iii) are bonded together. One example laminate comprises: (i) a polymer material (e.g. orientated polypropylene, OPP); (ii) a metallised polymer layer (e.g. metallised OPP); and (iii) a polymer layer (e.g. polyethylene, PE). Another example laminate comprises: (i) a polymer material (e.g. Polyethylene terephthalate, PET); (ii) a metallised polymer layer (e.g. metallised PET); and (iii) a polymer layer (e.g. a cast polypropylene, PP). Another example laminate comprises: (i) a polymer material (e.g. Polyethylene terephthalate, PET); (ii) a metallised polymer layer (e.g. metallised PET); and (iii) a polymer layer (e.g. polyethylene, PE).

In any of the above examples, a metal layer can be used instead of a metallised polymer layer.

In any of the examples described above, the resealable adhesive layer 63 may be present across the entire region between the outer layer 61 and the inner layer 62. Alternatively, the resealable adhesive layer 63 may be present only in the peripheral region 68 where a resealable seal is required. In other regions a permanent laminating adhesive can be used. The quantity (grammage) of resealable adhesive can be varied across the surface of the laminate sheet 10, so that a stronger bond is provided in regions compared to other regions.

The package may be formed from a single continuous sheet of material 10 which is folded about fold lines to form the package. In an alternative example, any one or more of the panels 11-17 may be a separate element which is connected to an adjacent panel, or an adjacent pair of panels, by additional seals. For example, referring again to Figure 1, the first sheet panel 11 and the second sheet panel 12 are part of a continuous sheet, with the second sheet panel 12 folded against the first sheet panel 11 about fold line Fl. When the first sheet panel 11 and the second sheet panel 12 are provided as separate elements an additional permanent seal is required between the panels 11, 12 along, or adjacent to, the pair of transverse edges at the bottom of the compartment 21 (i.e. the transverse edges opposite the access opening.) It will be appreciated that this increases the complexity of manufacture.

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.

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

Claims 1. A multi-compartment package comprising: a first sheet panel forming a back of a first compartment and a second sheet panel forming a front of the first compartment, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel having transverse edges forming an access opening of the first compartment; a third sheet panel forming a back of a second compartment and a fourth sheet panel forming a front of the second compartment, the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, a transverse edge of the third sheet panel hinged to the transverse edge of the second sheet panel proximate the access opening to allow the second compartment to lie against the first compartment; a fifth sheet panel forming a flap of the package, the fifth sheet panel connected to the first sheet panel; a first non-permanent seal between the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel proximate the access opening; and wherein the second compartment is provided with one of: a second non-permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the interior of the second 20 compartment; a permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and the fourth sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the second compartment.
2. A package according to claim 1 wherein the first sheet panel, the second sheet panel, the third sheet panel, the fourth sheet panel and the fifth sheet panel are panels of a single continuous flexible sheet, with the second sheet panel folded against the first sheet panel, the third sheet panel folded against the second sheet panel, the fourth sheet panel folded against the third sheet panel, the fifth sheet panel folded against the fourth sheet panel.
3. A package according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a cut line between the first compartment and the second compartment, the cut line defining a line of weakness to allow the second compartment to be separated from the first compartment.
4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fifth sheet panel has a length which is less than twice the length of the first sheet panel.
S. A package according to claim 4 wherein the fifth sheet panel has a length which is greater than the length of the first sheet panel and less than twice the length of the first sheet panel.
6. A package according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the fifth sheet panel has a pair of transverse fold lines which are offset from each other to define a stand region, wherein when the fifth sheet panel is folded around the package the stand region is located adjacent a base of the first compartment and a base of the second compartment to provide a stand for the package.
7. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the non-permanent seals comprises a peelable adhesive seal.
8. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the non-permanent seals comprises a resealable adhesive seal.
9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the compartments further comprises a reclosable or a resealable fixing.
10. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second compartment is provided with a second non-permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the interior of the second compartment, the package further comprising: a sixth sheet panel forming a back of a third compartment; a seventh sheet panel forming a front of the third compartment, the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel permanently sealed along opposing side edges, a transverse edge of the sixth sheet panel hinged to the transverse edge of the fourth sheet panel proximate the access opening to allow the third compartment to lie against the second compartment; and wherein the third compartment is provided with one of: a third non-permanent seal between the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge to allow access to the third compartment; a permanent seal between the sixth sheet panel and the seventh sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and the seventh sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the third compartment.
1 1. A multi-compartment package comprising: a first sheet panel forming a back of a first compartment and a second sheet panel forming a front of the first compartment, the first sheet panel and the second sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges and along respective first transverse edges, and the second sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the first compartment; a third sheet panel forming a back of a second compartment and a fourth sheet panel forming a front of the second compartment, the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel permanently sealed to one another along opposing side edges, a first transverse edge of the third sheet panel hinged to a first transverse edge of the second sheet panel to allow the second compartment to lie against the first compartment; a fifth sheet panel forming a flap of the package, the fifth sheet panel connected to the first sheet panel; wherein the second compartment is provided with a permanent seal between the third sheet panel and the fourth sheet panel proximate the hinged transverse edge and the fourth sheet panel has an openable portion to allow access to an interior of the second compartment.
12. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openable portion is reclosable.
13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openable portion is resealable to provide a resealable opening in that compartment.
14. A package according to claim 13 wherein the sheet panel in which the openable portion is formed is a multi-layer laminate, and the openable portion is defined by cut lines in the layers of that sheet panel, the cut lines being offset from one another to form the resealable opening.
15. A package according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the sheet panel in which the openable portion is formed is a multi-layer laminate and the openable portion is defined by: a first cut line in at least a first of the layers of the laminate defining a first flap portion; a second cut line in at least a second layer of the laminate defining a second flap portion, wherein the at least a first of the layers is different from the at least a second of the layers; wherein the second cut line is located within the first cut line, the arrangement of the first and second cut lines allowing the first flap portion and the second flap portion to be lifted together to create an opening in the laminate, the first flap portion separating from the second layer in a peripheral region of the first flap portion between the first and second cut lines, and wherein a resealable adhesive seal is provided between the peripheral region and the second layer of the laminate.
16. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sheet panels comprise a laminate having a plurality of layers.
17. A package according to claim 16 wherein one of the layers of the laminate comprises a barrier layer.
18. A package according to any one of the preceding claims in the form of a tobacco pouch.