JP2017538635A - Cigarette wrapping comprising means for absorbing free oxygen and respective packaging methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cigarette packet (1), which packet is at least partly on two opposite first and second sides of a cigarette pack (111) and a cigarette pack (111). A reinforcing element (21) surrounding a cigarette band (111) and a sealed envelope (11) formed from a sheet of a sealable type, wherein the cigarette band (111) and the reinforcing element ( An envelope (11) that surrounds 21), and this wrap is further fluidly coupled with the cigarette band (111) to reduce the amount of free oxygen in the sealed envelope (11). Means (51) for absorbing free oxygen arranged in communication with the. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a cigarette wrap provided with means for absorbing free oxygen that can reduce the amount of oxygen in the wrap. In particular, the present invention relates to a cigarette wrap provided with a hermetic envelope containing a group of cigarettes, and the means for absorbing free oxygen is a cigarette for reducing the amount of oxygen in the hermetic envelope. Arranged in fluid communication with a group.

  In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for packaging a cigarette packet provided with means for absorbing free oxygen in the packet. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for combining an absorbent means with a cigarette wrap so as to place the absorbent means in fluid communication with a cigarette pack.

  In order to maintain good sensory stimulation characteristics of cigarettes contained in cigarettes, it has a hermetic envelope formed by folding and sealing a packaging sheet of impermeable material around a cigarette group. It is known to manufacture cigarette packets as such.

  In order to achieve a suitable seal and at the same time protect the contents, the envelope of the wrap is provided with a cardboard reinforcement element on its inside, preferably at least in the side of the cigarette. Surrounds a group. This element is used as a counter means during the welding operation, thus improving the sealing operation of the packet.

  A further type of known hermetic packet is a fluid tight packet. They are produced by using a packaging method called “flow-pack” and are continuous by longitudinal welding of a continuous tape of packaging material wound in a cylinder around a cigarette band. A cylindrical package is formed around a group of cigarettes. The tubular wrap is then sealed and cut transversely upstream and downstream of each cigarette pack to obtain a single sealed inner wrap. This type of hermetic packet described allows for optimal maintenance of tobacco sensory stimulating properties in a cigarette pack.

  Regardless of the packaging method used, free oxygen in the atmosphere of the hermetic wrap degrades the tobacco contained in the wrap, which limits the oxidizing effect of free oxygen to making cigarettes no longer usable. This is because it affects the sensory stimulation properties of tobacco.

  To protect tobacco from oxidation, it is known to produce cigarette packets that are hermetically sealed and provided with a controlled atmosphere therein. This is generally a partial or total inert formula and is obtained by the introduction of a predetermined amount of gaseous nitrogen. In particular, the conditioned atmosphere is obtained by exchanging ambient air with a gas mixture so as to allow maintenance of the packaged product. The gas used is predominantly formed from at least one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide and is generally introduced before closing the wrap during the packaging stage.

  This protective atmosphere helps to extend the life of the cigarette and maintain sensory stimulating properties due to inhibition of the gas used and bacteriostatic action.

  However, the above-mentioned solution relating to generating a protective atmosphere before closing the wrap has many drawbacks, especially when applied to the field of cigarette packaging. In particular in the case of products that are not completely packed, such as cigarettes with a gap in the volume of tobacco, some of the oxygen is trapped within the product.

  Thereby, the exclusion of oxygen by the above-mentioned conventional apparatus requires a particularly long time of about several tens of seconds to several minutes. Thereby, this exclusion time is incompatible with normal packaging time.

  A further disadvantage results from the need to arrange a part of the product stream in an isolated environment, in particular to allow the introduction of a protective atmosphere containing nitrogen. In particular, the faster the process, the more sequestered it is to reach the requirement to fully achieve product flow in an isolated environment to maintain the current high speed standards of just 1000 packets of cigarettes per minute. Part of the product flow that is installed in the conditioned environment will be larger. The arrangement of the product stream within the conditioned atmosphere is further related to the amount of inert gas stored and consumed, and the need for supporting equipment to manage a protective atmosphere that is generally not used in automated machines for packaging cigarettes. Is particularly expensive and particularly dangerous for the security of the operator.

  Thus, it is desirable to have a cigarette wrap that can minimize the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, it would be desirable to have a cigarette wrap that would ensure the quality and constancy of the cigarette pack within the wrap for a long period of time.

  Similarly, it would be desirable to have a method for packaging a cigarette packet that is inexpensive to manufacture at the same time, making it possible to guarantee the quality and durability of the cigarette in the packet over a long period of time. It is rare.

  One patent document describes a packet containing an inner packet that encloses a cigarette band and a substance that absorbs moisture so as to maintain a constant humidity within the sealed inner packet (e.g., patents). Reference 1). This moisture-absorbing material is placed in a water vapor permeable sealed bag placed side by side in an inner wrap surrounding the cigarette band.

German Patent Application Publication No. 2253268

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a cigarette wrap that has high chemical protection against aging of a cigarette pack while being inexpensive to be manufactured.

  In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cigarette wrap that makes it possible to protect a cigarette pack from oxygen.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging method for cigarette wrapping which makes it possible to protect the contents from oxygen.

  The above objective is accomplished by a cigarette wrap according to the appended claims.

This package is
A group of cigarettes,
A reinforcing element that at least partially surrounds the cigarette pack on two first and second opposing sides of the cigarette pack;
A hermetic envelope formed from a sheet of a sealable type, comprising an inner envelope surrounding a cigarette band and a reinforcing element;
The package is characterized by means for absorbing free oxygen disposed in fluid communication with a cigarette band to reduce the amount of free oxygen in the hermetic envelope.

  More preferably, the envelope constitutes a space containing a cigarette band, this space is airtight at atmospheric pressure, and the absorbing means are arranged in this space.

  In this way, the action of reducing free oxygen is carried out over a long period of time without using expensive equipment without affecting the cycle time for wrapping production.

  In particular, the space has a protective atmosphere having a predetermined amount of at least one of oxygen and nitrogen and at least one of a predetermined degree of humidity.

  In this way, the action of the absorbing means makes it possible to maintain at least one of the degree of oxygen in the packet and a predetermined humidity.

Preferably, the sealable sheet is U around the cigarette band and the reinforcing element such that the folded sheet has two opposed open ends protruding respectively from the first and second sides. Folded into a shape
Fold the first end of each open end on each of the first and second sides, fold the second end of each open end on the first end, then fold the first and second Sealing the two ends together, or
The first and second ends of each of the first and second side surfaces are joined so as to face each other, and then the first and second ends are welded together, so that the jacket is sealed. The

Preferably, the jacket is
A cigarette extraction opening,
An adhering closing panel movably mounted on the jacket at the extraction opening,
The closed panel is in an open position where the closed panel is at least partially removed from the jacket so as to allow access to the extraction opening, and a closed position where the closing panel is placed on the jacket so as to close the extraction opening. It is movable between.

  In this way, at each reclosing of the wrap, it would be possible to recreate an ideal atmosphere having at least one of a reduced free oxygen content and a predetermined degree of humidity.

  Preferably, the means for oxygen absorption is inserted between the reinforcing element and the jacket.

  In this way, the absorbing means does not damage the cigarette pack contained in the packet in any way.

  Preferably, the absorbent means comprises a coating of at least a part of the inner surface of the jacket, or an adherent absorbent panel bonded to the jacket or the reinforcing element, or a powder or granule capable of absorbing free oxygen It consists of a breathable bag.

  In this way, the covering or adhesion panel makes it possible to minimize the influence on the weight and volume of the absorbent means with respect to the wrapping.

Preferably, the packet comprises a visual indication of the amount of oxygen that allows the color to change based on the amount of free oxygen in the package,
The jacket has at least one transparent part, and the visual display means is arranged in the transparent part so as to exhibit a predetermined color when the absorbing means reduces the envelope to a predetermined amount of free oxygen. .

  In this way, the action of the absorption means is associated with a suitable detection means that makes it possible to display the state of the inner atmosphere of the package to the user.

  The above object is further achieved by a method for packaging a cigarette packet according to the appended claims.

This packaging method is
Forming a group of cigarettes;
Placing the reinforcing element at least partially around two opposing first and second sides of the cigarette pack;
Configuring a partially packaged envelope by wrapping a cigarette band and reinforcing elements in a sheet of a sealable type;
Sealing a partially packaged envelope to form a sealed envelope,
The wrapping method is characterized in that prior to the sealing step, the means for absorbing free oxygen is coupled to the packet in fluid communication with the cigarette.

  In this way, it is possible to use conventional packaging mechanisms to construct the packet and apply means for oxygen absorption, for example by means of a labeling device or a pressing device. The means for absorbing oxygen can be applied to the packaging sheet constituting the reinforcing element or jacket, for example, by gluing or by attaching an adhesive panel.

Preferably, the sealing step constitutes a jacket containing a group of cigarettes as an airtight space at atmospheric pressure,
The binding stage places the absorbing means in the space,
The method includes adjusting the atmosphere of the space to a protective atmosphere containing at least one of a predetermined amount of oxygen and nitrogen and at least one of a predetermined degree of humidity.

  Preferably, the step of coupling the means for absorbing free oxygen into the wrapping constitutes the absorbing means to the reinforcing element or to the fusible sheet or to the reinforcing element or fusible sheet Is made by bonding to a tape of packaging material that enables

  Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a cigarette wrap provided with means for absorbing free oxygen according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view from below of the cigarette wrap of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a cigarette wrap provided with means for absorbing free oxygen according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view from the underside of the cigarette wrap of FIG. 3.

  1 and 2, a cigarette wrap 1 comprising means for absorbing free oxygen according to the present invention is illustrated.

  The packet 1 includes an outer cover 11 that surrounds a group 111 of cigarettes. As will be described in more detail below, in order to ensure a stronger structural strength and to allow for proper sealing of the envelope 11 to the wall, the packet 1 is further provided with two opposing ends of the cigarette pack 111. On the side, in particular on the first and second sides, a reinforcing element 21 is provided that partially surrounds the cigarette band 111. In particular, the reinforcing element 21 is arranged on the front face of the cigarette pack and extends on the oppositely facing side from this front wall.

  Thereby, the jacket 11 is constituted by a sheet of packaging material or a piece of tape which is then wrapped around the aforementioned group 111 of cigarettes surrounded by the reinforcing element 21. The tape piece of packaging material used for packaging is a sealable material, preferably at least partially a thermoplastic resin. Thereby, the envelope 11 thus configured is sealed after surrounding the cigarette group 111 and the reinforcing element 21 to constitute a sealed envelope. In this way, the structural features of the packaged pieces make the envelope 11 fluid tight at least at atmospheric pressure. This allows the cigarette band to be isolated from the outside atmosphere once the wrap is complete. In particular, the sealing envelope 11 makes it possible to protect the contents of the cigarette, and thus, for example, absorption or movement of fluid substances adhering to the surface of the sealing envelope, such as aqueous deposits, through the sealing envelope. To avoid.

  The cigarette layer arrangement makes it possible to obtain a substantially parallelepiped shape for the aforementioned envelope 11 having a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and two side surfaces during packaging. In the embodiment described here, the front and side surfaces of the jacket are arranged on the front wall and the first and second side walls of the reinforcing element 21.

  The terms “front surface”, “back surface”, “top surface”, “bottom surface”, “side surface” and other terms refer to the envelope and the reinforcing element with reference to a packet placed in a vertical position when viewed from the front surface Used to describe each position of the surface.

  The wrapping of the wrapping sheet to form the envelope 11 consists of a first transverse weld on the wrap 1 on the back of the same envelope 11 and two side folds of “soap” type as described in detail later. Are configured.

  The cigarette 111 can be extracted by configuring a special extraction opening in the outer cover 11. In the embodiment described here, this extraction opening is obtained on the first access to the cigarette band 111 by the consumer, especially at the formed weakening line 211. In particular, the weakening line 211 is formed by a non-penetrating cut formed on the outer surface of the jacket 11. Thereby, access to the cigarette group 111 is achieved by partially removing the packaging material of the envelope 11 from a portion of the envelope 11 delimited by the weakening line 211. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the removable wrapping material is formed at a position of the envelope that is symmetric about the front vertical centerline.

  To improve cigarette grip, the weakening line 211 extends to a portion of the front surface of the same packaging material that is continuous with a portion of the top surface of the packaging material. In this way, the removal of the packaging material obtained by the weakening line 211 is adjacent from the front to the top so as to increase the gripping area available to the user. In order to always improve the grip of the cigarette, the reinforcing element 21 is also provided with a notch in the removable part of the packaging material.

  In a further embodiment (not shown), the extraction opening can be formed by completely removing the packaging material from the aforementioned surface, thus maintaining the covered portion of the cigarette pack. Similarly, the part surrounded by the weakening line may be lifted appropriately away from the rest of the same jacket, leaving at least one side of the removable part connected to the jacket.

  Further, in a further embodiment (not shown), the weakening line may constitute removal of at least one of the same front surface and top surface in a distributed position relative to the front center line. This makes it possible, for example, to place a gripping area at the aforementioned end of the packet rather than in the central conventional position by not covering the cigarette at one end of the packet.

  The packet is completed by a suitable means 51 for absorbing free oxygen, arranged to be in fluid communication with the cigarette pack 111 to reduce the amount of free oxygen in the sealed envelope 11. . In particular, the absorption means 51 is disposed in an airtight space constituted by the sealed outer casing 11.

  In the embodiment described here, this absorption means 51 is formed by a container on the inside of which is provided with an element that can be combined with free oxygen with chemical activity. In particular, the chemically active element is formed by iron powder. In a further embodiment, the element contains, in addition to iron powder, at least one of sodium chloride and citric acid having a catalytic function. Furthermore, the contents of the absorption means may be constituted by granules rather than liquid or semi-fluid material.

  The container constituting the above-described absorption means 51 is particularly in the shape of a bag sealed on four side surfaces formed of a gas permeable material. When placed in fluid communication with a cigarette pack, the gas permeable bag allows free oxygen to communicate with the contents therein.

  Thereby, the chemically active element contained in the bag can absorb free oxygen. In this way, the oxygen contained in the wrap 1 is absorbed slowly after complete packaging of the product without imposing time constraints on the packaging process. Further, at least one of during absorption and upon completion of absorption, the cigarette pack 111 continues to be immersed in an atmosphere consisting essentially of nitrogen with a reduced amount of free oxygen.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the iron is oxidized to saturation, thus leaving mainly inert nitrogen and a small amount of carbon dioxide, leaving oxygen molecules (O ₂ constituting about 21% of the ambient air. ).

  Absorption capacity is directly proportional to the amount of iron powder provided, while grain size, shape, humidity, and other factors affect only the reaction time. The reaction time is several hours to several days and is important for manufacturing applications where the maximum time that the absorber can be left in the open air without losing their effectiveness until the packaging cycle is complete. is there.

  Thereby, it is possible to obtain an oxygen level lower than 0.05% in the space formed by the sealing envelope 11 in a package provided with an optimal sealing by the above-mentioned type of solution. On the other hand, depending on the solutions used by the prior art that provide for adjusting the atmosphere to nitrogen during packaging, the reachable value may be a long wait time (per unit time) during atmosphere conditioning of the package. Even at the expense of (with a consequent reduction in yield on the number of packets produced), it is more than 1%. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bag 51 that constitutes a means for oxygen absorption is inserted between the reinforcing element 21 and the jacket 11. In this way, the bag is placed in fluid communication with the cigarette pack 111 while not in direct contact with the pack. This allows the absorbing means 51 to perform the function of capturing free oxygen without causing physical damage to the weak body of the cigarette.

  In addition, the action of the absorption means 51 may result in a moderate “depressurization” effect as a result of solid absorption of about 21% of the initial gas volume in the wrap 1. This results in a good adhesion of the envelope 11 to the remaining components of the wrapper 1 and improves the aesthetics of the envelope.

  According to a further embodiment not illustrated, the means for absorbing free oxygen may be obtained by one or more self-adhesive panels, for example coated with a chemically active material, applied to the jacket or reinforcement element. In a further embodiment not illustrated, the means for absorbing free oxygen is obtained by a surface coating treatment (coating) formed directly on at least part of the packaging sheet constituting the jacket or the reinforcing element. be able to.

  Finally, the packet 1 further comprises a visual indicator means of the amount of oxygen that acts as a detector and indicator of the amount of oxygen contained in the packet 1. This indicator means is suitable for changing the color depending on the amount of free oxygen detected when in fluid communication with the cigarette pack 111 or when placed in an enclosed space. In the embodiment described here, in order to enable the use of visual indicator means, i.e. to allow the user to easily see the color change corresponding to the state change, the jacket 11 Is made of a completely transparent material so that it is possible to see the entire contents of the packet 1 containing the aforementioned indicator means. Furthermore, in order to simplify the packaging process, the indicator means are integrated with means 51 for absorbing free oxygen.

  The indicator means is suitable for displaying a predetermined color when the absorbing means 51 reduces the free oxygen in the wrap 1 by a predetermined amount. Preferably, this reduction corresponds to an amount of oxygen in the packet 1 that is 0.05% or less of the amount of gas contained in the packet. Thereby, this indicator means makes it possible to read the oxygen content provided in the volume surrounding the cigarette without opening the packet 1. In this way, the user further has an opening to allow the packet to be sealed or to introduce air from the outside environment and, as a result, greater improper absorption of oxygen content. Can be confirmed by the absorbed oxygen content.

  Alternatively, the jacket can be provided with only a transparent part used for this purpose, in which case the indicator means are arranged in the transparent part so as to be visible to the user. The

  In addition, the packet 1 can have a regulated atmosphere different from the ambient atmosphere in it, in particular in an airtight space surrounding the cigarette band 111. The conditioned atmosphere includes a predetermined amount of nitrogen to provide a protective atmosphere for the contained cigarette. In addition or alternatively, the protective atmosphere (conditioned) may include a predetermined amount of oxygen, in particular an amount that is substantially completely absorbed by the absorption means 51. In addition, or alternatively, the adjustment of the protective atmosphere may provide a predetermined degree of humidity that ensures maintenance of the sensory stimulation properties of the tobacco.

  The manufacture of a reclosable packet of cigarettes according to the invention is known from packaging machines of the known type, e.g. D. S. p. This can be done by one of the types manufactured by A.

  A packaging machine (not illustrated) is provided with a first delivery device for a sealed packaging tape reel suitable for continuous production of the outer cover 11. The first feeding device constitutes a non-penetrating precut portion that forms the weakening line 211, and appropriately cuts the packaging tape described above at a predetermined interval. The first payout series further includes a cutting device for obtaining a packaging sheet from the tape provided with the precut portion.

  The packaging machine is provided with a second feeding device for paper packaging tape reels suitable for continuous production of the reinforcing elements 21, downstream of the first feeding device or parallel to the first feeding device. The second feeding device includes a second cutting device for obtaining a packaging sheet from the feeding reel. In particular, the packaging sheet has a notch suitable for facilitating extraction of the cigarette as described above. Made to form.

  Thereby, the packaging method includes the step of forming a cigarette pack 111, wherein the third device for forming the cigarette pack 111 constitutes the desired forming layer. Then, in the fourth coupling device, the reinforcing elements 21 are identical around the cigarette-formed bunches 111, in particular corresponding to the front of the bunches of cigarettes and the sides of the bunches 111 of cigarettes. Mounted on a group of first and second opposing sides. This coupling of the reinforcing elements 21 is preferably achieved when forming the cigarette pack 111 by means of a suitable press. A seat for holding the formed pack 111 is suitable for receiving the reinforcing element 21 and a suitable press rests the reinforcing element 21 on the cigarette pack 111 on at least two opposite sides. It is suitable to put a group 111 formed in this recess so as to make it possible.

  The fifth forming apparatus constitutes the envelope 11 partially wrapped by wrapping the cigarette band 111 and the reinforcing element 21 with a sheet of a kind that can be sealed. The fifth forming apparatus includes a first moving wheel that can rotate around each horizontal rotation axis. The first moving wheel continuously accepts cigarette packs 111 provided with reinforcing elements 21 and moves them to a second wrapping wheel having a number of peripheral recesses of the wrapping device. In the second wrapping wheel that can rotate around its own vertical rotation axis, each recess has a group 111 of cigarettes provided with reinforcing elements 21 and each wrapping sheet obtained by interval cutting in the first feeding device. And accept. Thereby, the rotation of the second wrapping wheel folds the wrapping sheet to form the envelope 11 provided with the part having the weakening line 211, and thus the cigarette band 111 formed as described above. It is possible to surround. In particular, the wrapping of the wrapping sheet takes place starting from the cigarette head, whereby this weakening line 211 is arranged at the rear of the cigarette that coincides with the filter part.

  The sheet of material that can be sealed is then a cigarette so that the folded sheet has two opposed open ends that respectively protrude from the first and second sides provided with the aforementioned reinforcing elements 21. It is folded in a U shape around the group 111 and the reinforcing element 21. Thereby, subsequently, the rotation of the second wrapping wheel results in the completion of the coupling of the envelope 11 by the formation of overlapping flaps on the back and side surfaces of the envelope. In particular, the back overlap flaps are sealed together to form a tubular package.

  The outer cover 11 folds the first end 311 ′ of each open end of each of the first and second side surfaces, and folds the second end 311 ″ of each open end on the first end. Is sealed. In the next stage, the partially formed jacket 11 (by folding the completed side flap) is sealed, in particular the folded first end 311 ′ and second end 311 ′. It is completed by sealing the ′ together.

  The step of fluidly coupling the means 51 for absorbing free oxygen to the wrap 1 and to the first pack 111 of cigarettes is done prior to sealing the envelope 11.

  This step is preferably done by coupling means 51 for oxygen absorption to the reinforcing element 21 before or after combining with the cigarette pack 111. As an alternative, this step can be performed by combining the sealable sheet 51 with the absorbent means 51 which makes it possible to construct the jacket 11. A further option may provide that the application of the absorbent means 51 can then be obtained directly on a tape of packaging material suitable for constructing a sealable sheet of the reinforcing element 21 or the jacket 11. .

  In this embodiment, the absorbing means 51 is attached to the reinforcing element 21 and the sixth intermediate coupling device is arranged downstream from the second feeding device and upstream from the fourth coupling device. This makes it possible to arrange the absorbing means 51 on a sheet suitable for constituting the reinforcing element 21. Alternatively, the fifth coupling device described above is adapted to couple the absorbent means 51 directly at predetermined intervals onto a tape of packaging material suitable for constituting the strengthening device 21. It may be arranged parallel to the feeding device. In addition, the fifth coupling device comprises a first feeding device for directly coupling the absorbing means 51 at a predetermined interval on a tape of packaging material suitable for constituting the jacket 11. It may be arranged in parallel to.

  The wrap 1 is completed according to the present invention, at which time a sealed envelope 11 is provided containing means 51 for absorbing free oxygen arranged in fluid communication with a cigarette pack 111. In addition, the wrapper is preferably provided with a protective container made of paper material obtained by feeding the formed envelope 11 onto a further forming device suitable for folding the paper material so as to surround the envelope in the container. May be. Thereby, the paper material used may constitute a “flexible and strong” type packet or a “strong hinged lid” type packet.

  In the case where it is necessary to adjust the inner atmosphere of the cigarette wrap 1 to an adjusted atmosphere different from the ambient atmosphere, this machine includes at least a part of the machine arranged in a part suitable for constituting a sealing stage A cover can be provided.

  During this conditioning phase, the wrapping atmosphere is changed by introducing a gas containing a predetermined amount of nitrogen to form a protective atmosphere for the contents of the cigarette. In addition or alternatively, the introduced gas may comprise a predetermined amount of oxygen, in particular such an amount that is substantially completely absorbed by the absorption means 51. The introduction of conditioned gas additionally or alternatively ensures that the sensory stimulation properties of tobacco are maintained by providing a supply of dry or humid air to a predetermined value and into the machine. As such, adjustments to the degree of humidity may be provided. Changes in the degree of humidity can be implemented, possibly as a result of measurements of atmospheric humidity and air content in the facility, or based on data estimated from destructive random sampling.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of a cigarette wrap 2 provided with means for sealing and absorbing free oxygen according to the present invention is illustrated.

  What has been described above for the wrap 1 is applicable to the wrap 2 with the necessary changes, in which the only difference is in the different fold shapes suitable for constructing the envelope 12 . In particular, a packet 2 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be obtained by a “flow wrap” type, ie a “bag making packaging” packaging machine.

  The sealable sheet constituting the envelope 12 has two opposed openings in which the folded sheet protrudes from the first and second sides of the cigarette pack 112 and consequently from the reinforcing element 22 respectively. It is folded in a U shape around the cigarette cluster 112 and around the reinforcing element 22 so as to have an end.

  The jacket 12 joins the first and second end portions 312 ′ and 312 ″ of the first and second side surfaces as opposed to each other, and then the first end portion 312 ′. And it seals by sealing 2nd end part 312 ''.

  According to a third embodiment (not illustrated), the packet may be reclosable.

  What has been described above for FIGS. 1 and 2, with the necessary changes, is applicable to a packet of the aforementioned type, in which after the user's initial access to a cigarette pack, The jacket may be closed again several times to protect the remaining contents.

  The reclosable type of wrapping further comprises a withdrawal opening for the cigarette and an adhesive closure panel movably mounted on the jacket at the withdrawal opening. In particular, the extraction opening can be constituted by a part surrounded by the same weakening line formed on the jacket, as described above for the wraps 1 and 2.

  Thereby, the closing panel is placed in the jacket so that it is at least partially removed from the jacket so as to allow access to the sampling opening and the closing panel closes the sampling opening. It is movable between the closed position.

  In the aforementioned type of package, which is sealed until first opened and then resealable and optionally resealable, the means for absorbing free oxygen is It may be configured to function even after the opening of a number of short packets to reduce the amount of oxygen introduced during cigarette withdrawal.

  Thereby, the manufacture of the aforementioned packet of a resealable type of cigarette can be carried out on the same packaging machine as described above, except that an additional labeling device is provided. The labeling device is provided with suitable feeding and cutting means that allow the tape of the packaging material constituting the adhesive closing panel used to reclose the package to be fed out by cutting at predetermined intervals. It is done. The manufacture and attachment of this panel is a known manner and will not be described in further detail.

  The cigarette wrap provided with the means for absorbing free oxygen described above according to the present invention has many advantages.

  First, it is possible to achieve a reduction or elimination of the free oxygen present in the wrap after wrapping the wrap. Further, the presence of means for oxygen absorption can be reduced by a reduced amount or without scheduling a significant portion of the packaging process to wait for atmosphere adjustment, as is done with current solutions of the prior art. It makes it possible to obtain a packet with absent oxygen.

  In addition, in the case of reclosable wraps, it is possible to reduce the amount of free oxygen after each reclose of the wrap, thereby re-serving the atmosphere with reduced oxygen after the first release. Configure.

  Finally, cigarette wraps provided with means for oxygen absorption as described above can be easily and inexpensively manufactured by making minor modifications to standard packaging machines. Thereby, the manufacture of the package does not require the use of special packaging machines of considerable design and manufacturing costs, and in particular does not require expensive and complex equipment for generating a regulated atmosphere.

Claims (14)

A group of cigarettes (111; 112),
A reinforcing element (21; 22) mounted at least partially on said group (111; 112) of cigarettes on two opposite first and second sides of said group (111; 112) of cigarettes; ,
A sealed envelope (11; 12) formed from a sheet of the kind that can be sealed, said envelope (11; 112) and surrounding the reinforcing element (21; 22) of the cigarette (111; 12) 11; 12) and a cigarette packet (1; 2) comprising:
The wrap (1; 2) is sealed with the envelope (11; 112) together with the pack (111; 112) of cigarettes to reduce the amount of free oxygen in the sealed envelope (11; 12). A cigarette packet (1; 2), characterized in that it comprises means (51) for absorbing free oxygen arranged in 12).   The outer cover constitutes an airtight space at atmospheric pressure containing the group of cigarettes (111; 112) and the means (51) for absorption, and has a protective atmosphere having a predetermined humidity level. The packet (1; 2) according to claim 1. The sheet of the kind that can be sealed includes the group of cigarettes such that the folded sheet has two opposing open ends that protrude from the first side and the second side, respectively. 111) and folded around the reinforcing element (21) into a U shape,
The first end portion (311 ′) of each open end portion of each of the first side surface and the second side surface is folded, and the second end portion of each open end portion is folded on the first end portion (311 ′). By folding the end (311 '') and then sealing the folded first end (311 ') and the second end (312') together, or
The first end portion (312 ′) and the second end portion (312 ″) of each of the first side surface and the second side surface are coupled so as to face each other, and then the first end portion The package (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer cover (11) is hermetically sealed by welding the (312 ') and the second end (312'') together. The jacket is
An extraction opening for the cigarette;
An adhering closing panel movably mounted on the jacket at the extraction opening;
The adhesive closure panel is in an open position where the adhesive closure panel is at least partially removed from the jacket so as to allow access to the extraction opening; and the adhesion closure panel closes the extraction opening. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the packet is movable between a closed position placed on the jacket.   Packet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means (51) for oxygen absorption is inserted between the reinforcing element (21; 22) and the jacket (11; 12). (1; 2).   A packet (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for absorption comprises a coating of at least a part of the inner surface of the jacket.   A packet (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said means for absorption comprises an adhesive absorbent panel coupled to the jacket or the reinforcing element.   Said means for absorption consists of a breathable bag (51) which is arranged side by side with said group of cigarettes (111; 112) and comprises a powder or granules capable of absorbing said free oxygen. The packet (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   A packet (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said means for absorption are integrated in said reinforcing element.   A packet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for absorption are integrated with the sheet of the sealable type forming the sealed envelope (11; 12). 1; 2). A visual indication of the amount of oxygen that allows the color to change based on the amount of free oxygen in the packet (1; 2);
The jacket (11; 12) has at least one transparent part;
The visual display means are arranged in a corresponding relationship indicating a default color when the means (51) for absorption reduces the free oxygen in the packet (1; 2) by a predetermined amount. The packet (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Forming a group of cigarettes (111; 112);
Placing a reinforcing element at least partially around two opposing first and second sides of the pack (111; 112) of cigarettes;
Constructing a partially packaged envelope (11; 12) by surrounding the pack (111; 112) and the reinforcing element (21; 22) of a cigarette with a sheet of sealable type;
Sealing the envelope (11; 12) partially packaged to form a sealed envelope, and packaging a cigarette packet (1; 2) comprising:
The method comprises the step of placing means (51) in the jacket (11; 12) for absorbing free oxygen together with the pack (111; 112) of cigarettes prior to the sealing step. A method characterized by: Said stage of sealing constitutes said envelope containing said group of cigarettes (111; 112) as an airtight space at atmospheric pressure;
Said stage of coupling arranges said means (51) for absorption in said space;
The method according to claim 12, comprising adjusting the atmosphere of the space to an atmosphere provided with a predetermined humidity level.   The step of coupling said means (51) for absorbing free oxygen into said wrap (1; 2) consists in linking said means for absorption (51) to said reinforcing element (21; 22) or dissolving. 14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, made by bonding to the sealable sheet or to a tape of packaging material that makes it possible to construct the reinforcing element or the sealable sheet.

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