JP2018531188A - Resealable container including insert and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

The method includes cutting an inner liner having an outer surface and an inner surface to form an opening in the inner package. Initially, the insert is attached to the outer surface of the inner liner. Thereafter, the resealable label is applied over both the portion of the insert and the portion of the outer surface of the inner liner. The inner surface of the resealable label has a sealed area and an unsealed area, and only the unsealed area is disposed on the insert. A bundle of consumer goods is formed by wrapping the consumer goods with an inner liner. A container is formed around the bundle of consumer goods so that the insert is positioned between the inner liner and the container. A container formed using such a method is also disclosed. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  A resealable container including an accessible insert and a method for manufacturing the container are disclosed. This container has particular use as a container for elongated smoking articles such as cigarettes.

  It is common in the industrial field to use inserts as a means of communication.

  WO 2015/011621 shows a resealable pack that includes an insert, which has a shape (at its top) that reflects an offset seal on the lid. The reflected portion of the insert provides a tab thereby providing access to the insert. Such a configuration would require a container and a method for radically changing the container.

  WO 2015/045070 provides a fin seal over the front wall to form a pocket in the front wall of the container in the inner liner to hold the insert. The pocket significantly limits the dimensions of the insert.

  With respect to the containers described above, as well as commonly used resealable containers and, in particular, automatically resealable containers, the use of inserts is used to access additional components such as inserts. It is not feasible because there is no space available.

  One object of the present invention is to provide a container that allows both automatic opening and resealing of an inner sealed package based on opening the outer lid and access to the insert. Another object of the present invention is a method of making such a container.

  In one aspect of the invention, a container is described. The container comprises a housing comprising a box and a lid hinged to the box. The lid has an inner surface and an outer surface. The container also includes an inner package disposed at least partially within the housing and at least partially defining an interior volume for containing consumer goods. The inner package has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface contacts the inner surface of the box. The container also includes a resealable label configured to open and close the inner package when the housing lid is opened and closed. The resealable label has an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface comprising a sealed area and an unsealed area. The container also includes an insert positioned between the inner surface of the box and the outer surface of the inner package. At least a portion of the insert contacts an unsealed region on the inner surface of the resealable label.

  In another aspect of the invention, the method includes cutting an inner liner having an outer surface and an inner surface to form an opening in the inner package. The insert is attached to the outer surface of the inner liner. The resealable label is attached over both the portion of the insert and the portion of the outer surface of the inner liner. The inner surface of the resealable label has a sealed area and an unsealed area, and only the unsealed area is disposed on the insert. A bundle of consumer goods is formed by wrapping the consumer goods with an inner liner. A container is formed around the bundle of consumer goods so that the insert is positioned between the inner liner and the container.

  Various aspects of the present invention may provide one or more advantages over the containers and methods currently available or described above. For example, the container combines the use of an insert with an automatically resealable feature that could not be combined until the time of the present invention. Furthermore, by allowing the insert to be at least partially below the label, additional space for the insert becomes available compared to inserts that do not have partial overlap. This is particularly important for automatically resealable packs, where the lower end of the label is attached to the inside of the lid. This suppresses the placement of the insert outside the label and would otherwise prevent the label and lid from being connected. Advantageously, additional space can be used to facilitate access to the insert. In addition, additional communication space can be used. Furthermore, the container allows a combination of the two features, but does not lose the proper functionality of automatic containment of the inner features. Further, the methods disclosed herein are performed using standard hermetic packaging process equipment and processes with little or no modification, thereby increasing the complexity or cost of manufacturing and the ability to have inserts. Re-sealable containers can be provided.

  The invention is applicable to any suitable container for consumer goods, such as elongate smoking articles. It is known to package consumer goods (eg, elongated smoking articles) in containers formed from folded layered blanks. For example, elongated smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigarettes are generally sold in a hinged lid pack having a box containing the smoking article and a lid connected to the box by a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. Is done.

  The container may take any suitable shape for containing consumer goods. For example, as already mentioned, the container may comprise a housing that may be depicted as a hinged lid container with one or more hinged lids connected to a box that contains consumer goods. In one or more embodiments, the container may be a slide and shell container with an inner slide for receiving consumer goods mounted in the outer shell. If the container is a slide-and-shell container, the outer shell or inner slide may include one or more hinge lids. The container may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, other materials, or combinations thereof. The weight of the cardboard can be from about 100 grams / square meter to about 350 grams / square meter.

  The containers described herein will generally have the same or similar shape as the housing. Thus, the housing according to the invention can be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a longitudinal right end and a transverse right end. Alternatively, the housing comprises one or more longitudinal rounded ends, transverse rounded ends, longitudinal chamfered or transverse chamfered ends, other types of ends, or combinations thereof sell. For example, a housing according to the present invention may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following features.

One or two longitudinally rounded or chamfered edges on at least one of the front and rear walls.
One or two transversely rounded or chamfered edges on at least one of the front and rear walls.
One longitudinal rounded end and one longitudinal chamfered end of the front wall, or one transverse rounded end and one transverse chamfered end of the rear wall.
One longitudinal rounded end and one longitudinal chamfered end of the front wall and one transverse rounded end and one transverse chamfered end of the rear wall.
One or two transversely rounded or chamfered edges of the front wall and one or two longitudinally rounded or chamfered edges of the front wall.
Two longitudinally rounded or chamfered edges of the first sidewall or two transversely rounded or chamfered edges of the second sidewall.

  If the housing comprises one or more rounded ends, the blanks forming the housing can be 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 horizontal ruled lines or each forming a rounded end in the assembled container. It is preferable to include a vertical ruled line. The horizontal ruled lines or the vertical ruled lines can be either inside the housing or outside the housing. The horizontal ruled lines or the vertical ruled lines are preferably spaced from each other by about 0.3 mm to 4 mm.

  The spacing between the vertical ruled lines or the horizontal ruled lines is preferably a function of the thickness of the layered blank. The interval between the vertical ruled lines or the horizontal ruled lines is preferably about 0.5 to about 4 times the thickness of the layered blank.

  Where the housing includes one or more chamfered ends, the width of the chamfered ends is preferably from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and preferably from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. In one or more embodiments, the housing is a double chamfer formed by three parallel vertical or horizontal ruled lines spaced so that two distinct chamfers are formed on the edge of the container. May be provided. Where the housing has a chamfered end, the chamfer is preferably formed by two parallel vertical or horizontal ruled lines in the layered blank forming the container. The vertical ruled line or the horizontal ruled line can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the end between the first wall and the second wall. Alternatively, the vertical or horizontal ruled lines are at the edge between the first and second walls so that the chamfer extends deeper into the first wall of the housing than within the second wall of the container. It can be arranged asymmetrically.

  Alternatively, the housing can have a non-rectangular cross section, for example, a polygon (such as a triangle or hexagon), or an oval, semi-elliptical, circular or semi-circular.

  Containers according to the present invention have particular application as packs for elongated smoking articles, such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. In other embodiments, the consumer good may be an aerosol generating article such as an article that heats tobacco but does not burn. Of course, by proper selection of its dimensions, the container according to the invention can be designed for different numbers of conventional sizes, king sizes, super king sizes, slim or super slim cigarettes. By appropriate selection of its dimensions, the container or housing according to the present invention can be designed to hold a different total number of smoking articles or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, by appropriate selection of its dimensions, a container or housing according to the present invention can be designed to hold a total of 10-30 smoking articles.

  In addition to containing a bundle of smoking articles, the container may further contain other consumer goods such as, for example, matches, lighters, fire extinguishing means, fresh breath, or electronic devices. Other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, may be housed in a separate compartment of the container with the smoking article in the container, or any combination thereof.

  The disclosed container comprises a housing. The housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The housing also has a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls. The housing includes a lid and a box.

  The housing lid is hinged to the box and is adapted to be operated between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the consumer can access the consumer goods located in the housing. The lid is hinged to the box along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the housing or the upper end of the rear wall. The hinge line can be, for example, a crease or a horizontal ruled line in the panel that forms the rear wall of the housing. The lid and box are further defined by a tear line. An open line means a draw between the lid and the box, which begins at one end of the hinge line and traverses in the order of the right side of the housing, the front of the housing, then the left side of the housing, or vice versa Ends at the other end of the line.

  The box preferably includes a box front wall, a box left wall, a box right wall, a box rear wall and a box lower wall. The box has an inner surface and an outer surface. The front wall of the box has an upper end corresponding to the lower end of the lid when closed.

  The lid preferably includes a lid front wall, a lid left side wall, a lid right side wall, a lid rear wall, and a lid top wall. The lid has an inner surface and an outer surface. The front wall of the lid also has a lower end.

  The container also comprises an inner package. The inner package is at least partially disposed within the housing of the container. The inner package can be configured to accommodate consumer goods. Exemplary consumer goods can include smoking articles, such as elongated smoking articles. Certain exemplary elongated smoking articles can include, for example, consumer goods such as cigarettes, cigarettes, cigarillos, aerosol-generating articles that heat but do not burn, or combinations thereof.

  The inner package can be made of any suitable material, such as a polymer material, metal foil, other materials, or combinations thereof. The inner package preferably includes a polymeric material such as a polyethylene film, a polyolefin film, a polylactic acid (PLA) film, or some combination thereof. The inner package can include at least a first layer and a second layer attached to its periphery, and preferably forms a package having an internal volume.

  The inner package includes an access opening that allows access to consumer goods contained therein when the inner package is opened. The flap of the inner package covers the access opening when the container and flap are in the closed position. When the container and flap are in the open position, the access opening is not at least partially covered. The access opening can be cut, for example, during manufacture. The flap preferably forms an S-shaped curve with at least two turning points when the flap is opened.

  The inner package also includes a flap. The first layer of the multilayer inner package preferably comprises a flap. A flap can be attached to the interior surface of the lid using a resealable label with one or more adhesive areas.

  The resealable label can be configured to attach the flap to the interior surface of the lid as well as reseal the inner package. In one such embodiment, when the lid and inner package are opened, the flap and the portion of the second layer attached to the flap, the sealing area, are separated from each other along the first and second cuts, respectively. , Exposing the access opening. Any suitable technique may be used to attach the resealable label to the lid, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding. It is preferred that the resealable label can be attached to the lid using an adhesive, more preferably a durable adhesive. The flap via the resealable label can be configured to be reattached to the second layer when the container flap and lid are in the closed position.

  As mentioned above, advantageously, additional space can be used to facilitate access to the insert. In addition, additional communication space can be used. Resealable labels allow the inner package to be repeatedly opened and closed for individual access to consumer goods. The resealable label preferably provides sufficient adhesion to reattach the flap at least as many times as the number of consumer goods in the inner package. The resealable label preferably allows the consumer to open and reseal the inner package until the package is empty.

  The resealable label has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the resealable label may be configured to permanently attach the label and inner package flap to the inner surface of the front wall of the lid.

  The inner surface of the resealable label can comprise at least a sealed area and an unsealed area. The sealing area may cause the flap and inner package access opening to move simultaneously between the open and closed positions simultaneously with movement between the open and closed positions of the lid. In the closed position, the flap and label cover the access opening of the inner package and are resealably attached to the inner package by resealable adhesion of the sealing area. In the open position, the flap and label are at least partially separated from the inner package, and the access opening of the inner package is at least partially uncovered or open. For the sealing area of the label, an adhesive can be used. For example, it is preferable that a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used. The unsealed area of the inner surface of the label is positioned on the resealable label so that it can be positioned toward the lower end of the lid when attached to the lid. The non-sealed area can allow the adhesive area to be more easily opened. It should be noted that the non-sealed region can include an adhesive, but such adhesive does not contribute to the sealing of the inner package. The adhesive in one such embodiment is preferably used to attach the insert to the label, so that opening the label pulls the insert away from the container.

  The container also includes an insert. The insert can be used for communication. The insert can include or be made of any suitable material. For example, the insert can include cardboard, paperboard, paper, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. It can be printed on the insert using, for example, any known printing technique. The insert can be folded to increase the available communication space. The insert can be folded longitudinally, or transversely, or both longitudinally and transversely. Preferably, at least one dimension of the insert (whether whole or folded), for example, the height of the insert can be less than the height of the front wall of the box. The length of the insert is preferably between the longest longitudinal length of the front wall length and the length of the front wall in the area of the access region. Such a configuration allows the maximum length of the insert to be used. Other dimensions of the insert (whether whole or folded), for example, preferably the width of the insert can be smaller than the width of the front of the box. Due to the ability to bend the insert once, twice or more, the overall surface area of the insert can be larger than the front wall of the box.

  The insert is positioned between the inner surface of the front wall of the box and the outer surface of the front wall of the inner package. At least a portion of the insert contacts an unsealed region on the inner surface of the resealable label. The insert need not be affixed to the outer surface of the inner package. This can be accomplished using any suitable technique (eg, mechanical attachment, adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, utilization of micro-suction features, or any combination thereof). The insert is preferably affixed to the outer surface of the inner package using an adhesive, a micro-suction feature, or some combination thereof.

  The container can also include an optional inner frame disposed within the box. The inner frame can be placed inside the front wall of the box. Alternatively, the inner frame may be placed in the inner liner. Advantageously, an inner frame with a large surface area provided adjacent to the front wall of the box increases the structural strength of the container. This is particularly advantageous for subsequent use when the container is not completely filled. The container can also optionally include an inner liner. The inner liner may wrap consumer goods. The inner liner and consumer goods may be collectively referred to as the inner package. A carton that includes a lid and at least one sidewall can accommodate a plurality of containers as described herein.

  A method for manufacturing a container is also disclosed herein. As mentioned above, advantageously, a structure in which the label at least partially covers the insert allows additional space for the insert to be used compared to a non-overlapping insert. In particular, since the lower end of the label is attached to the inside of the lid, the insert is not on the label. In other respects this prevents the label and lid from being connected. However, in containers similar to those currently available on the market where the label is pre-attached to the inner liner in the transducer and provided on the bobbin during manufacture of the container, this is the mounting of the insert under the label Make it complicated.

  The disclosed method can be utilized in conjunction with any process for forming packages of consumer goods bundles and forming containers around them. For example, the disclosed methods can be utilized with standard hermetic packaging processes, devices and systems that perform such processes. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods can utilize two labelers, one attaching the insert to the inner package and the other attaching a resealable label to the inner package for the insert combination.

  The disclosed method may include various steps that may be performed in various orders, and may or may not include other steps. The various steps can be accomplished simultaneously with, before, or after transporting the interacting articles according to the transport belt or transport system. Various steps can also be accomplished by or in conjunction with electronic or robotic control of an article according to a transport system for performing the disclosed method. Other known control and movement processes can also be utilized in conjunction with the specific steps described herein. Any step disclosed herein may be accomplished using a system of one or more devices configured to work together on a single device or to perform that step.

  In some exemplary methods, one step includes cutting an inner liner that is ultimately folded to form an inner package to form an opening. An exemplary method may also include cutting the inner liner from a continuous roll of inner liner material. These two cutting steps (as well as other steps) may be performed simultaneously or at different times. Any suitable technique or combination of techniques may be utilized to cut the inner liner. For example, cutting the inner liner or a continuous roll (or both) of the inner liner can include, for example, using a rotating wheel with one or more blades attached to the rotating wheel, die punching tool (s) Alternatively, it can be implemented by other suitable cutting devices, separating devices, or the use of both cutting and separating devices.

  Some exemplary methods may also include stamping the inner liner. This step may be accomplished before, after, or both before cutting the inner liner. The process of stamping the inner liner can be utilized to provide a crease line that is utilized to form an inner package around the consumer goods. The punching may also be designed to form a pattern that can improve or control the opening and closing forces of the resealable label. When such a process is performed, any suitable technique or combination of techniques may be utilized to punch out the inner liner.

  In some exemplary methods, the insert is mounted on the outer surface of the inner liner. This step can be accomplished before or after the inner liner is cut to form the opening. This step is preferably performed after the inner liner has been cut to form the opening. Any suitable technique or combination of techniques may be utilized to attach the insert to the outer surface of the inner liner. The purpose of this step is to avoid the insert falling from the inner liner during the rest of the manufacturing process. As such, this process involves adhesives (either permanent or temporary), micro-suction features (either on the insert and / or inner liner), and natural cohesion between the two (eg, static electricity) , Or any combination thereof, and may be achieved or combined with them. Any suitable technique or combination of techniques may be utilized to attach the insert to the outer surface of the inner liner. The particular technique utilized may depend at least in part on the particular method, and if present, the insert and inner liner remain in contact (eg, by adhesive, microsuction feature or combination thereof) ).

  In some embodiments, the insert can be attached to the inner liner using a labeler. The labeler positions the insert on the outer surface of the inner liner, or more preferably on the portion of the outer surface of the inner liner that will eventually become the front panel of the inner package. In some embodiments, the labeler may be configured with a process or device to affect the method of maintaining contact between the insert and the inner liner. The adhesive between the insert and the inner liner is sufficiently rigid so that it is sufficiently rigid that the insert cannot be removed from the outer surface of the inner liner in use or is effective for a long time (or its Note that contact is maintained during manufacture, although not as much. For example, an adhesive (either permanent or temporary) is positioned between the insert and the inner liner, either on the insert, on the inner liner, or some combination thereof. Alternatively, one or both of the inner liner and the insert can have a microsuction feature formed therein or thereon. Alternatively, a drop of liquid (eg, water) may be positioned on the insert, inner liner or both, and van der Waals from the interaction of the liquid with the insert, inner liner or both The force can maintain contact between the insert and the inner liner until the liquid evaporates. The liquid utilized to induce van der Waals forces is preferably one that does not substantially decompose the insert, the inner liner, or both.

  The next step involves attaching a resealable label to the insert against the inner liner combination. This step can be accomplished after the insert is mounted on the outer surface of the inner liner. A resealable label is attached over the outer surface portion of the inner liner and the insert portion. Only the non-sealed area of the resealable label is placed on or in contact with the insert. The resealable label is preferably capable of attaching the inner liner to the insert combination using a labeler. The labeler is placed on the inner surface of the resealable label, which is more preferably on the outer surface of the inner liner or even more preferably of the inner liner that is ultimately attached to the inner surface of the container lid. Located in the sealing area of the resealable label on the part of the outer surface. In some embodiments, the labeler may be configured with a process and / or device that affects the placement of the resealable label. Resealable labels are subject to a manufacturing process using a release liner (such as paper or similar material coated with a release or non-tacky material) that contacts at least the sealed area of the inner surface of the resealable label. Note that it can be provided. The methods disclosed herein can also optionally include removing such a release liner before the resealable label is placed in the insert and inner liner contact.

  Once the inner liner to the insert for the label combination is formed, a bundle of consumer goods can be formed by wrapping the consumer goods with the inner liner to the insert for the label combination. The bundle is formed such that the insert into the label is outside the bundle. This step can be accomplished using any suitable technique or combination of techniques, including cutting techniques, folding techniques, packaging techniques, or combinations thereof. After the bundle of consumer goods is formed, a container can be formed around the bundle. The container finally comprises a box and a lid hinged to the box. This step can be accomplished using any suitable technique or combination of techniques, including cutting techniques, folding techniques, packaging techniques, and the like.

  The term “inner surface” is used throughout this specification to refer to the surface of an assembled container component that faces toward the interior of the container (eg, toward a consumer product) when the container is in the closed position. Used to mean For example, the outer film comprises an inner surface facing the housing of the container.

  The term “external surface” is used throughout this specification to mean the surface of a container component that faces the outside of the container. For example, the outer film includes an outer surface facing away from the housing of the container. It should be noted that the inner or outer surface does not necessarily correspond to a certain side of the blank used to assemble the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, the area on the same side of the container may face the inside or the outside of the container.

The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower" and "side" as used herein provide the housing lid in the closed position. Means the relative position of the container and its component parts according to the invention when the container is in an upright position with a hinge line at the rear of the container. When describing a container according to the present invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container depicted. The rear wall or rear wall of the container includes a hinge line.
Reference is now made to the drawings in which some aspects of the invention are shown.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container in an open position, the container comprising an access region including a weak line and an insert. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the side surface of the container in FIG. 1 at an open position. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 at the front closed position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container showing only the inner package, the resealable label and the insert portion. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the container in an open position, where the insert adheres to the inner package. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the insert removed from the container.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a schematic perspective view (and a cross-sectional view in FIG. 2) of one embodiment of a consumer goods container 10 is illustrated. The container includes a housing 12 that includes a box 14 and a lid 20 that is hinged to the box by a hinge line (not shown). The box has a front wall 16 and a rear wall 18. The front wall of the box has an upper end 21. The box also has an inner surface 17 and an outer surface 19. The hinge line extends across the rear wall 18 of the box 14 of the container 10 and functions to allow the lid 20 to move from the closed position (FIG. 3) to the open position as shown in FIG. The lid 20 has a front wall 24 having an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 26 (FIG. 2).

  The inner package 30 is disposed in the housing 12. Inner package 30 at least partially defines an internal volume for containing consumer goods. The inner package 30 consists of a barrier material for hermetically sealing the consumer goods until the container is opened for the first time. The barrier material may comprise a metal foil or a laminate of plastic and metal. The inner package 30 includes a front wall 32 and a rear wall 34 (see FIG. 2). Inner package 30 includes an outer surface 33. The inner package also includes a first layer 40 and a second layer 50 attached to the inner surface of the first layer.

  Inner package 30 includes an access opening 54 through which consumer goods (not shown) can be removed. The access opening 54 is covered by the flap 44 when the flap is in the closed position (FIG. 3). Furthermore, the access opening 54 is not at least partially covered when the flap 44 is in the open position. A resealable label 45 can be used to attach the flap to the inside surface of the lid. Resealable label 45 includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Its internal surface comprises a sealed area and an unsealed area (shown in more detail in FIG. 4). The flap 44 can be attached to the first layer 40 along the hinge line 49 (FIG. 2). When opening the lid, the flap and the portion 55 of the second layer 50 attached to the flap are along the first weakness line and the second weakness line (not shown herein) from the inner package 30. The flap 44 is also attached to the inner surface 22 (FIG. 2) of the front wall 24 of the lid 20 so that the access opening 54 is separated and exposed. The flap 44 is adapted such that the access opening 54 overlaps the sealing region 72 so that the flap is attached to the second layer 50 within the sealing region 72 when the flap is in the closed position.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic cross-sectional view of the container 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated with the lid 20 and flap 44 in the open position. Inner package 30 is shown disposed within box 14 of housing 12. The flap 44 is attached to the lid 20. In the open position, the flap 44 forms an S-shape. The geometry of the container 10 is such that the flap 44 is automatically resealed to the inner package 30 when the flap (and lid 20) returns to the closed position.

  In addition, all figures show the insert 60. The insert 60 is positioned between the inner surface 17 of the box front wall 18 and the outer surface 32 of the front wall 31 of the inner package 30. The insert has an upper end 35 that is accessible through an access region 62. The insert may be made of any useful material, may have any useful dimensions, and may optionally be folded either laterally or longitudinally. The insert is positioned generally below the sealing region 72 of the second layer 50. When the insert is positioned above the sealing area 72, the adhesive portion of the label that serves to close the inner package is adhered to the insert and the inner package becomes non-resealable.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a closed container is shown. As can be seen from this figure, the label 45 is inside the lid and contacts the interior surface of the lid. The inner surface of the label includes a sealed area 46 and an unsealed area 47. As can be seen, the insert 60 between the inner liner and the container contacts only the non-sealed area 47 of the label 45 and not the sealed area 46.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container is shown. The portion shown includes an inner liner 30, an insert 60 and a resealable label 45. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the insert 60 is positioned between the inner liner 30 and the resealable label 45. Resealable label 45 has an inner surface 53 and an outer surface 51. Insert 60 contacts inner surface 53. Only the unsealed area 47 of the label 45 contacts the insert 60, and the sealed area 43 contacts the inner liner 30. Note also that the sealing region 43 is on the inner surface 53 while the outer surface 51 includes a permanent adhesive region 52 that attaches the resealable label 45 to the inner surface of the lid 24.

  FIG. 5 includes a container 10 for consumer goods that includes an insert adhesive portion 71 that not only includes some similar features as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, but also serves to attach the insert to the inner liner. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment. FIG. Note that the insert adhesive portion 71 is located between the inner liner and the insert. This adhesive can be applied to keep the insert in contact with the inner liner during manufacture. This adhesive (or other fixative) is preferably not so rigid or long lasting that the insert cannot be removed from the container. FIG. 6 shows a similar container with the insert removed from the container and shows that the insert 64 can optionally be folded.

Claims (15)

Cutting the inner liner to form an opening in the inner package, wherein the inner liner includes an outer surface and an inner surface;
First mounting an insert on the outer surface of the inner liner;
A resealable label is subsequently applied over both the portion of the insert and the portion of the outer surface of the inner liner, the resealable label having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface Mounting, wherein a surface includes a sealed area and an unsealed area, and only the unsealed area of the inner surface is disposed on the insert;
Wrapping consumer goods with the inner liner to form a bundle of consumer goods;
Forming a container around the bundle of consumer goods, wherein the insert is positioned between the inner liner and the container, the container comprising a box and a lid hinged to the box; Forming.   The method of claim 1, wherein attaching an insert onto the outer surface of the inner liner comprises applying an adhesive.   The method of claim 1, wherein attaching an insert onto the outer surface of the inner liner includes the use of micro-suction features.   The method of claim 3, wherein the micro-suction feature is on the inner liner.   The method of claim 3, wherein the micro-suction feature is on the insert.   The method of claim 1, wherein the insert is attached to the outer surface of a front wall of the inner liner.   The method of claim 1, further comprising firing the inner liner before the opening is cut.   The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the outer surface of the resealable label to an inner surface of the lid.   The method of claim 1, further comprising forming an inner frame around the consumer before the bundle is formed with the inner liner.   A container formed by the method of any one of claims 1-9. A housing comprising a box and a lid hinged to the box, wherein both the box and the lid have an interior surface;
An inner package disposed at least partially within the box and at least partially defining an interior volume for containing consumer goods, wherein the inner package has an exterior surface and the exterior of the interior package An inner package wherein at least a portion of a surface contacts the inner surface of the box;
A resealable label configured to open and close the inner package when the lid of the housing is opened and closed, the resealable label comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. A resealable label, wherein the inner surface comprises a sealed area and an unsealed area;
An insert positioned between the inner surface of the box and the outer surface of the inner package, at least a portion of which is in contact with the unsealed region of the inner surface of the resealable label; Container for consumer goods.   The container of claim 11, wherein the insert adheres to the outer surface of the inner package.   The container of claim 11, wherein either the insert, the outer surface of the inner package, or both include micro-suction features.   14. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a consumer good contained in the internal volume defined by the inner package.   The container according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the consumer good is a smoking article.

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