JP5059112B2 - Package of confectionery products - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging of a stack of confectionery pellets having a longitudinal axis extending through all the pellets in the stack comprises a sheet wrapper that encases the stack. The wrapper is formed into a side wall portion which encircles the stack about the longitudinal axis and two end cap regions, each end cap region enclosing a respective axial end of the stack. A tear guide to assist a user in opening the packaging extends about the axis and is positioned at least partially within one of the end cap regions. The tear guide may be defined by lines of weakness in the wrapper which may be formed by laser etching. A method of packing a stack of confectionery items is also disclosed.

Description

  The present invention relates to confectionery product packaging, and in particular, but not limited to, packaging of confectionery pellets such as chewing gum pellets.

  It is known to supply individual confectionery products in the form of pellets, pastels, tablets and the like. For example, chewing gum may be provided in the form of pellets having a relatively hard outer casing or shell and a soft center. Pellets are usually formed like small pillows. Other confectionery products are also provided in a similar shape. For example, jasper, candy, chocolate, toffee or mint confectionery can be provided in the form of pellets or pastels, as well as other types of hard and soft candy. For ease of reference, the terms pellet and pellet (s) are used below, but these terms include other similar configurations such as pastels, tablets, and the like.

As used herein, the terms gum and chewing gum include bubble gum.
When packaging a confectionery product in the form of pellets, a number of pellets can be positioned linearly adjacent to each other so as to form a stack having a longitudinal axis, and the stack can be wrapped in a sheet package. Known, the longitudinal axis penetrates all the pellets of the stack. The package is wrapped around the stack so that one side edge of the package overlaps the other side edge and is held in place by an adhesive to form a seal. In this configuration, the side edges are aligned to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack. The package is longer than the confectionery product stack so that the end of the package extends beyond the end of the stack. Each end of the package is folded to provide an end sealing flap overlying each end of the stack to form an end lid or end closure of the package. The flap is typically held in place by an adhesive so that the package forms a sealed enclosure of confectionery pellets. Therefore, the finished package includes a side wall that surrounds the stack of pellets and an end lid that overlaps the end of the stack.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stack 10 of chewing gum pellets 12 and is packaged by a general method so as to form a side wall 16 and an end lid 18 with a package 14. The package 14 typically includes single or multi-layer sheet foils to help maintain the freshness of the contents. Sometimes, a secondary or inner package is provided that is wrapped around a stack of gum pellets in a manner similar to the outer package before the main or outer package is applied. This is called “double packaging”. In many cases, however, only a single package is used, which is referred to as a “single package”. Various confectionery products are packaged in this manner.

  It is usual for a tearing derivative to be provided in or on the package to help the user to tear the package along a predetermined line so that the user can open the package so that the user can remove the confectionery product. It is a technique. One well-known form of tear derivative is a tear strip 20 that extends along the outer peripheral surface of the confectionery product stack, which is spaced from one end. In order to remove the end of the package, which consists of an important part of the end cap and the side wall, the free end of the tear strip is gripped by the user and arranged to pull the package and tear it along the line of the strip The This allows contact with the confectionery pellets that can be removed one by one from the package.

  In a known package configuration, the tear strip 20 is spaced inward from the end of the stack by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of one pellet 12. This makes it easier to manufacture and open the package, but results in many problems. First, while the package is opened, the first pellet 12a at that end of the stack and positioned at least partially outward from the tear strip 20 is lost when the end of the package is removed. There is a fear. Second, when the package is opened and the first confectionery product 12a is removed, the torn ends of the remaining side wall portions of the package are flush with the outer surface of the second pellet 12b of the stack. , Or close to it. As a result, the package may have at least the outer surface of the second confectionery product 12b in the stack being soiled or softened before the second confectionery product 12b is used. Also, the pellets remaining in the stack may fall from a package that is not effectively sealed at the open end. These problems arise especially because there is no inner package that helps to store and protect the pellets when the stack is packaged in a single package.

  In a confectionery package of the type described above, the tear strip is generally formed by attaching a strip of material to the inner surface of the package. The strip is made of a predetermined material, often a plastic material, which is stronger than the basic material of the package. One end of the band is attached to a tab protruding from the overlapping side edge of the package so that it can be grasped by the user and pulled to release the package. Since the material of the band is stronger than the basic package, the package will tear along at least one edge of the band. The band usually crosses the package from one side edge of the package to the other so that when the package is wrapped around the stack, the band surrounds the stack circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. Extend horizontally. While this type of tear strip is effective because the user can open the package, the presence of additional strip material results in an annoying line or ridge that extends around the formed package. That could be a problem.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,077,086 to Lile discloses a package of chewing gum sticks a, which includes an inner package 1 that covers the stack and an outer sleeve 2 that surrounds the center of the stack. A cardboard insert 3 is positioned between one end of the stick a and the package, and has a flap 3 ′ that overlaps one end of the stick a inside the end lid area of the inner package 1. To open the package, the user inserts a thumb nail between the inner package flap 3 'and the end of the stick a and raises the flap up to remove the end cover area of the inner package. Lift up. This document discloses the removal of the end cap area of the package 1, but in this case all the products to be packaged are individually packaged so that the problems associated with the packaging of single packaged confectionery pellets are considered. It has not been. Also, since the sticks a are aligned in the longitudinal direction within the package 1, this document requires that the package be resealed in order to prevent the contents from falling from the opened package 1 It doesn't consider sex issues. In contrast, this document relates to a method for more easily removing the contents from the package.

  U.S. Patent No. 5,677,096 also discloses a package of chewing gumstick stacks. In the configuration shown, a stack of individually packaged gumsticks 6 is covered with a package 1. The tear band is defined at one end of the package 1 by spaced perforation lines 2, 3. In this embodiment, the tear strip is located near the end cover of the package, but the tear strip is wide and therefore a significant portion of the side wall area of the package is removed. For reasons similar to those described above in relation to Lyle's US Pat. No. 6,057,059, this document does not consider the very different problems associated with packaging unpackaged confectionery pellets. In particular, it should be noted that a package having perforations 2, 3 to define a tear zone is not a single package of stacks of confectionery pellets because the package does not seal the contents from the outside environment. It is inappropriate for use.

US Patent No. 1,132,781 US Pat. No. 1,329,056

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved confectionery pellet stack package and packaging method that overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages of the prior art.
In particular, there is a need for an improved confectionery pellet stack package and method of packaging that allows the opened package to be resealed more effectively when the stack is packaged in a single package.

  There is also a need for improved confectionery pellet stack packages and packaging methods that appeal more visually than known packages.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, a package of confectionery pellet stacks having a longitudinal axis is provided, the longitudinal axis penetrating all the pellets of the stack. The package includes a sheet package that covers the stack. A package is formed in the side wall part which surrounds a laminated body centering | focusing on a longitudinal axis, and two end cover areas. Each end lid area encloses the respective axial end of the stack. The package further includes a tearing derivative to assist the user to open the package by tearing the package along the line, the tearing derivative extending about the longitudinal axis of the stack and , At least partially positioned within one end lid region.

  Positioning the tearing derivative inward from the end of the pellet stack is a generally accepted approach, but the applicant has at least partially positioned the tearing derivative within the endcap region, It has been found that while the package is opened, the side walls of the package are not removed at all, or only a minimum amount can be removed. As a result, the chance of accidental loss of the outermost pellets of the stack is reduced when the package is opened. Also, when the package is opened and the first pellet at that end of the stack is removed, the remaining side wall of the package extends beyond the end of the currently shortened stack, Thus, the remaining pellets can be contained and folded so that they do not pop out. The stack may be double packaged, in which case the package of the present invention comprises an outer package. However, the package of the present invention is particularly advantageous when used as the only package in a single package configuration, and the ability to effectively reseal the package after opening is a major advantage.

  The wrapping may be wrapped around the stack, and before being wrapped, the sheet wrap projects beyond the opposing side edges aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and beyond the respective ends of the stack. May have opposing longitudinal ends. The package body is wound in the circumferential direction along the stack body in a state in which the opposite side edges overlap to form a side wall portion surrounding the stack body, and each of the longitudinal ends of the package body is wrapped around the package body. To form a flap that is folded over to overlap each end of the stack.

  The tear derivative may include a tear strip, in which case at least the outer longitudinal edge of the tear strip is located in the end cap region of the package. In one configuration, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip is disposed near the end of the stack at the sidewall of the package. In this configuration, the tear strip is positioned at the transition between the side wall and the end lid of the package. This has the advantage of ensuring that the smallest part of the side wall of the package is removed as a result, but that the opening made is as large as possible. In this configuration, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip may be located no more than 3 millimeters from the edge of the end cap region. Preferably, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip is located no more than 2 millimeters from the edge of the end cap area, in particular no more than 1.5 millimeters from the edge of the end cap area. Alternatively, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip may also be placed on the end cap so that the entire tear strip is positioned within the end cap of the package.

  The tear strip may be formed by fixing the strip material to the inner surface of the package. The material from which the band is made may be stronger than the material of the rest of the package. The strip may include a polymeric material. The strip may include a plastic material. Alternatively, the package may have two spaced lines of weakness extending at least partially in the width direction of the package to form a tear strip therebetween. The line of weakness can be formed on the inner surface of the package by etching, particularly laser etching. The use of lines of weakness formed by etching or other methods is generally invisible to the user, thus allowing a tear derivative that does not affect the aesthetic composition of the package to be formed in the package. To do.

  The package may further include a tear strip tab that protrudes from the first side edge of the package and is gripped and pulled by a user to initiate tearing of the package. The tear strip tab may include a protrusion that extends from the package. The tear strip tab extends from the side edge of the package and may be integrally formed with the package sheet.

  The tear strip may be positioned to be substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the package. The outer longitudinal edge of the tear strip may be spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the package by a distance ranging from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip may be The first longitudinal edge may be spaced a distance in the range of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters. The tear strip may extend at least partially perpendicular to the first side edge of the package in the width direction of the package, and may follow a curved path.

  The tear derivative may extend at least partially orthogonal in the width direction of the package and may include a single line of weakness of the package that may be formed by etching the inner surface of the package. The weak line may be formed by performing laser etching on the inner surface of the package. The package may further include a tab attached to a portion of the package located between the line of weakness of the package and the first longitudinal edge. The tab may be positioned so that it can be grasped by the user and pulled to begin tearing the package along the line of weakness. A slit that extends from the side edge of the package toward the line of weakness may be provided in the package.

  The tear derivative may at least partially surround at least a portion of the end cap. The tearing derivative may completely encircle the whole or part of the end cap. Thereby, all or a part of the end cap can be completely removed. Alternatively, the tearing derivative may only partially surround the whole or part of the end cap. This leaves all or part of the end cap located within the tear guide attached to the rest of the package to form a flap opening.

The package may include a metal foil sheet and may have a single layer or multiple layers. The sheet may be a composite sheet consisting of a foil layer and a layer of paper or other material.
The overlapping side edges of the package may be secured together using an adhesive. Some of all the flaps forming each end cap may be secured in place by an adhesive. The adhesive may be a pressure or heat activated adhesive and may be pre-applied to the package before being wrapped around the confectionery product stack.

  The package may also include a second inner package that is positioned around the stack of pellets before the package is applied. Alternatively, the package may include a single package to cover the stack of pellets.

Each pellet of the stack may be individually packaged.
The confectionery product may be a gum pellet and in particular a chewing gum pellet.

The tearing derivative may completely or partially surround the longitudinal axis of the stack of confectionery pellets.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging method for a stack of confectionery products having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis penetrating all the pellets of the stack, and the sheet package is stacked with confectionery pellets. Positioning the package adjacent to the body, and the package has a tear derivative to assist a user to open the package by tearing the package along the line, the package having a longitudinal axis Forming a side wall that surrounds the stack as a center and two end cover areas, each end cover area enclosing a respective axial end of the stack, and the method further comprises a tearing derivative. , Extending when the package is completely formed, extending about the longitudinal axis of the stack and being positioned at least partially within the end cover area of the package.

  The package may have opposed side edges and opposed longitudinal edges, and the method may further include aligning the side edges substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and the opposed longitudinal length of the package. Stack the package so as to form a side wall that surrounds the stack with the process of positioning the package so that the directional ends protrude beyond the respective ends of the stack and the opposing side edges overlap. Each of the longitudinal ends of the package is wrapped in a circumferential direction along the body and a flap that is folded over the respective ends of the stack to form an end cover area of the package. Forming.

  The tear derivative may include a tear band and the method may further include positioning the tear band such that at least the outer longitudinal edge of the tear band is located on the end cap of the package. The method may include the step of positioning the tear band such that the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band is located on the side wall of the package. The method may include positioning the tear band such that the inner longitudinal edge of the band is no more than 3 millimeters from the edge of the endcap region. Preferably, the method comprises the step of positioning the tear band such that the inner longitudinal edge of the band is no more than 2 millimeters from the edge of the endcap area, in particular no more than 1.5 millimeters from the edge of the endcap area. Including. Alternatively, the method may include positioning the tear band such that both the outer and inner longitudinal edges of the tear band are positioned within the end cap of the package.

  The method further includes: in a fully formed package, a tear strip extending across the entire width from one side edge of the package to the other side edge so as to completely surround at least a portion of the end cap. You may include the process of forming in a package. Alternatively, the method may include, in the finished package, packaging a tear strip that extends only partially in the width direction from the first side edge of the package so as to partially surround at least a part of the end cap. A step of forming the body may be included.

  The method may include the step of forming a tear strip in the package by securing the strip material to the inner surface of the package. The material from which the band is made may have more strength than the material of the rest of the package. The strip material may include a polymeric material. The strip may include a plastic material.

  Alternatively, the method may include forming two spaced lines of weakness extending at least partially in the width direction of the package to form a tear strip therebetween. The line of weakness may be formed on the inner surface of the package. The line of weakness may be formed by etching the inner surface of the package. In particular, the method may include the step of forming a line of weakness by laser etching the inner surface of the package. The method may further include the step of creating a tab extending outwardly from one side edge of the package at a predetermined location between the two lines of weakness, the tab being integrally formed with the package. Good.

  The method is such that the outer longitudinal edge of the tear strip is spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the package by a distance in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear strip is Forming a tear band on the package may be included such that it is spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the body by a distance in the range of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters.

  The method forms a single line of weakness in the package that extends at least partially in the width direction of the package and positions the line of weakness within the fully-covered end cap area. By doing so, a step of making a tearing derivative may be included. The method may include the step of creating a line of weakness on the inner surface of the package by etching, particularly laser etching. The method may also include creating a tab extending from a side edge of the package body between the line of weakness of the package body and the first longitudinal edge. The method may also include forming a slit in the package that extends from the side edge of the package toward the line of weakness.

  The method further forms a line of weakness in the finished package to extend across the entire width from one side edge of the package to the other side edge so as to completely surround at least a portion of the end cap. Steps may be included. Alternatively, the method may include the step of forming a line of weakness in the package such that it extends only partially from the first side edge in the width direction of the package, so that in the finished package, The line of weakness only partially surrounds at least a portion of the end cap.

The package may include a metal foil sheet and may have a single layer or multiple layers. The sheet may be a composite sheet comprising a foil layer and a paper or other material layer.
The method may include the step of securing the overlapping side edges of the package together using an adhesive. The method may also include the step of securing some of all the flaps forming each end cap in place with an adhesive. The adhesive may be a pressure or heat activated adhesive, and the method may include applying the adhesive to the package before the package is wrapped around the stack of confectionery pellets.

The method may include wrapping a second inner package around the stack of pellets before the package is applied.
The method may include the step of individually packaging each confectionery pellet before the confectionery pellets are formed into a stack.

The method is particularly applicable to packaging chewing gum pellet stacks.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a package of confectionery pellet stacks having a longitudinal axis is provided, the longitudinal axis penetrating all the pellets of the stack. The package includes a sheet package that covers the stack. A package is formed in the side wall part which surrounds a laminated body centering | focusing on a longitudinal axis, and two end cover areas. Each end cap encloses the respective shaft end of the stack. The package further includes a tearing derivative to assist the user in opening the package by tearing the package along the line, the tearing derivative being formed by at least one line of weakness in the package. The

  The use of the line of weakness allows a tear derivative to be formed in the package that is substantially invisible to the user and thus does not affect the aesthetic configuration of the package. Also, the line of weakness, which in other cases includes another plastic or other strip material, does not create a ridge that can be formed by a tear strip connected to the package.

Two spaced lines of weakness can be formed in the package to form a tear band between the lines of weakness.
The tear derivative may be disposed at least partially within the end cover area of the finished package or within the side wall area of the formed package no more than 10 millimeters from the edge of one end cover area.

  The package may further include a tearing derivative tab that protrudes from the first side edge of the package and that is gripped and pulled by a user to begin tearing the package. The tear guide tab may be in the form of a protrusion extending from the side edge of the package and may be integral with the package. If there are two lines of weakness in the package to define a tear zone, the tear derivative tab may be positioned between the two spaced lines of weakness.

The tear derivative may be located substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the package before the package is formed around the stack.
The line of weakness or each of them may extend so as to be at least partially orthogonal from the first side edge of the package in the width direction of the package.

The line of weakness or each of them may follow a curved path.
The line of weakness or each of them may be formed in the package by etching, in particular by laser etching. Alternatively, the line of weakness or each of them may be formed by grooving the inner surface of the package or by other means that do not penetrate the package and therefore do not compromise the integrity of the package.

  According to the 4th form of this invention, the packaging method of the stack body of the confectionery pellet which has a longitudinal axis is provided, and a longitudinal axis penetrates all the pellets of a stack body. The method includes positioning the sheet package adjacent to the stack of confectionery pellets, a side wall surrounding the stack about the longitudinal axis, and two end lid regions. Forming. The package has a tearing derivative to assist the user in opening the package by tearing the package along the line. Each end lid area encloses the respective axial end of the stack. The method further includes creating at least one line of weakness in the package to define a tear derivative.

The method may include the step of forming two spaced lines of weakness in the package to define a tear zone therebetween.
The method is such that the tearing derivative is disposed at least partially within the end cover area of the finished package, or in the side wall area of the formed package, no more than 10 millimeters from one edge of the end cover area. The step of positioning the tear derivative.

  The method includes the steps of forming a tear derivative tab in the package such that the tab protrudes from the first side edge of the package and can be grasped and pulled by the user to begin to tear the package. May be included. In this case, the method may include the step of forming the tearing derivative tab as a protrusion extending from the side edge of the package. If the method includes forming two spaced lines of weakness to define a tear zone, the method positions a tear derivative tab between the lines of weakness. Steps may be included.

The method may include forming the tear derivative such that the tear derivative is positioned substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the package.
The method may include the step of forming the line of weakness or each of them in a width direction of the package so as to extend at least partially orthogonal from the first side edge of the package.

The method may include forming the line of weakness or each along a curved path.
The method may include the step of forming the line of weakness or each by etching, particularly laser etching, on the inner surface of the package. Alternatively, the method includes forming the line of weakness or each by grooving the inner surface of the package or by other means that do not penetrate the package and therefore do not compromise the integrity of the package. May be included.

  Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the remaining figures.

The perspective view which shows the laminated body of the chewing gum pellet in a prior art. 1 is a perspective view of a stack of chewing gum pellets packaged according to the present invention. FIG. The top view of the package formation part of the package of FIG. The figure which shows roughly the various processes in the single packaging method of the laminated body of the gum pellet which uses the package of FIG. The perspective view of the laminated body of the chewing gum pellets packaged according to 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 but showing a state in which the package of FIG. 5 is opened. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 5 but showing the package after being opened and illustrating the removal of the pellets. FIG. 6 shows the package of FIG. 5 similar to that of FIG. 5 but sealed again after opening. The perspective view of the laminated body of the chewing gum pellets packaged according to 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 but illustrating the package of FIG. 9 after being opened.

The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or equivalent configurations in the various embodiments described below.
FIG. 2 shows a stack 22 of chewing gum pellets 24 that is packaged in an outer package 26 in a manner similar to the prior art stack 10 described above. However, unlike the prior art, the packaging body 26 of the present embodiment extends around the longitudinal axis when the packaging body 26 is wound around the stack, and the outermost side of the pellets 24 of the stack 22. Adjacent to the outer end face of the pellet 24a, it has a tear strip 28 arranged to be at least partially positioned in the end cap region 30 of the package.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tear band 28 is positioned at the intersection between the end cover 30 and the side wall portion 26 of the package. Thus, the outer longitudinal edge 34 of the tear strip is positioned within the end cap 30, while the inner longitudinal edge 36 is substantially aligned with the outer end face of the outermost pellet 24a, and the side wall of the package. It is positioned slightly towards the part 32. The tear strip 28 extends across the entire width of the package so that it completely surrounds the end cap 30 when the package is formed. This means that the end cap 30 is completely removed when the user uses the tear strip 28 to open the package. However, only a minimum amount of the side wall 32 of the package is removed along with the end cap 30. In preferred embodiments, sidewalls of 3 millimeters or less, more preferably 2 millimeters or less, and even more preferably 1.5 millimeters or less are removed.

  Positioning the tear strip 28 at one end of the stack 22 so as to be at least partially positioned within the end cap 30 overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art package configurations. Since the outermost pellet 24a is effectively in the tear zone 28, the outermost pellet 24a is less likely to be lost when the user opens the package. Further, when the end pellet 24a is removed from the stack, a sufficient amount of the side wall 32 of the package protrudes beyond the outer end face of the next pellet 24b of the stack 22, and the open end of the package is the rest of the package. To cover the pellet 24, it can be folded by the user, so the remaining pellet 24 is protected from contact and prevented from falling out of the package.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of a package 26 including a paper material sheet or a metal foil sheet. The package 26 may also be made from a composite sheet that includes a metal foil on one side, typically the inner side 37, and paper or other material on the outer side. The outer surface 39 of the package may be printed to provide product details such as product name, ingredient list, and / or trademark. The area of adhesive 38 is pre-applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the package to hold the package in place around the stack of pellets, as will be described in more detail below.

  The sheet package 26 has two opposing side edges 40, 42 and two opposing longitudinal edges 44, 46 and is generally rectangular in shape. However, the shape of the package 26 can be changed according to the shape and size of the pellets 24 and the number of pellets of the stacked body 22. The tear band 28 is positioned near one longitudinal edge 44 and may be of any suitable type, including those currently known in the art.

  In the present embodiment, the tear band 28 is in the form of a material band that is fixed to the inner surface 37 of the package. The tear strip 28 is secured to the package such that it extends from the first side edge 40 to the opposite side edge 42 substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge 44. The tab 48 protrudes from the first side edge 40 and the end of the material strip 28 is fixed to the tab 48. When the package is wrapped around the stack, the first side edge 40 of the package overlaps the other side edge 42 and is secured therewith by adhesive, but the tab 48 can be grasped by the user. As such, it remains unfixed. The tear strip 28 allows the user to tear the package by gripping the tab 48 with the tear strip 28 attached and pulling the tear strip generally circumferentially along the stack. Made of a material that is stronger than the rest of the package, such as plastic. Because the material band 28 is stronger than the rest of the package, the package is eventually cut along at least one longitudinal side edge of the band 28 as the user pulls the tab.

  The tear strip 28 is positioned inwardly from the first longitudinal edge 44 of the sheet wrapper 26 such that the outer longitudinal edge 34 of the strip is located within the end cap 30 formed at that end of the stack. Is done. The exact spacing of the tear band depends on the geometry of the pellet and sheet package. However, in this embodiment, the outer longitudinal edge 34 of the tear strip is spaced from the first longitudinal edge 44 of the package 28 by a distance in the range of 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters and the inner longitudinal length of the strip. The directional edge 36 is spaced from the first longitudinal edge 44 of the sheet wrapper by a distance in the range of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters.

  The wrapping 26 is formed as part of a continuous web 50 of wrappings and is supplied by SIG Sapal SA at Eculens 1024, Du Tir Federal 44 in Switzerland. It may be applied to the pellet stack 22 using a well-known packaging machine, such as Sapal Chewpac ™.

  A method of applying the package 26 to the stack 22 of the chewing gum pellets 24 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 schematically shows a series of winding steps taken to make a package using the packaging 26 described above.

  The stacked body 22 of gum pellets 24 is fed into the vertically aligned package 26 in the packaging machine with the inner surface 37 of the package facing the stack. The package 26 is sent to the machine as part of the continuous web 50 and is released from the web before being wrapped around the stack 22. The package 26 has a tear strip 28 aligned with the outer end face 52 of the outermost pellet 24a at one end of the stack 22.

  As indicated by reference numeral 54, the second side edge 42 of the package 26 is wound so as to be located partway across the lower surface of the stack 22, while the first side edge 40 is positioned on the stack side. It is folded on the upper surface so as to protrude outward from one side. The first longitudinal edges 44 and 46 of the package project beyond both ends of the stack 22.

  Next, the stack of pellets 22 is turned upside down as shown by arrow 56, along with the partially wrapped package 26. As indicated by reference numeral 58, with the stack 22 inverted, the second side edge 42 of the package 26 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 60 of the stack 22 and at that time the top surface of the stack 22. Across approximately half and extend in the longitudinal direction. At this point, or during the stack inversion process, the first side 62 of the package 26 protruding beyond either end of the stack is folded inward to contact the end face of the stack. The package is also creased around fold line 64 to partially form first and second main end sealing flaps 66, 68 at either end of the stack.

  The first side edge 40 of the package 26 is folded over the current top surface of the stack so that it overlaps the second side edge 42 of the package, as shown at 70. Next, the second side 72 of the package 26 protruding beyond the end of the stack 22 is folded inward to contact the end face of the stack, and the package is at either end. In order to complete the first and second main end sealing flaps 66, 68, a crease is formed around the fold line 74. The second side 72 may overlap the first side 62 so that the end of the stack is completely covered.

  The first main end sealing flap 66 at either end is folded on the end face of the stack 22 so as to contact the side portions 62 and 72 as indicated by reference numeral 75. The final step in the formation of the package is to fold the second main end sealing flap 68 onto the first main end sealing flap 66 as indicated at 76. Sides 62, 72 and first and second main end sealing flaps 66, 68 combine to form an end closure or end cap 30 of the package.

  Some or all of the overlapping portions of the package are glued together by a pre-applied adhesive 38 in a manner well known in the art. Thereby, the package 26 can be held in place and the package can be configured to be sealed to protect the packed gum pellets. Any suitable adhesive that is pressure and / or heat active can be used.

  FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment where the tear strip 28 is positioned such that it is entirely within the end cap 30 of the fully formed package 26. The package 26 of this embodiment is formed by a method different from that described above in connection with the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in this configuration, none of the side walls 32 of the package 26 are removed when the package is opened. FIGS. 7 and 8 show how after one piece 24a of the pellet is removed from the opened packet, the open end of the package is folded to contain and protect the remaining pellet.

  9 and 10 show yet another embodiment of a package 11 for a stack of pellets. 9 and 10, the lower portion of the package 26 is shown in a perspective manner so that the place where the gum pellets 24 are in place can be clearly confirmed. In this embodiment, the tear band 28 is made in the package by forming two spaced lines of weakness 80 and 82 on the inner surface of the package 26. The line of weakness extends so as to be partially orthogonal to the first side edge 40 in the width direction of the package. The tab 84 projects from the first side edge 40 of the package at a predetermined position between the two lines of weakness so that the user can grip it. This is configured such that when the user pulls the tab, the package will preferentially tear along the two lines of weakness.

  The tear strip 28 is configured to be positioned entirely within the end cap 30 of the fully formed package 26. Since the tear band only extends across the package partway, it only partially surrounds the central region 86 of the end cap 30. As a result, the central region 86 is not completely removed from the package 26 when the package is opened, and remains attached along one edge 88 to form a flap. This reduces the amount of waste produced because the open end lid area 86 is not discarded by the user. The flap 86 can also be used to reseal the package. However, the tear band may extend across the entire width of the package 28 such that the end cap 30 or at least a portion thereof is completely removed when the package is opened.

  By forming the tear band with a fragile line rather than a strip material, the tear band 28 can be shaped to provide a more attractive opening, and the material within the tear band adds design effects. Can be printed in different colors. Therefore, the line of weakness 80, 82 may follow a curved path to provide a shaped opening.

  The line of weakness 80, 82 can be made using any suitable method, but is preferably made by laser etching the inner surface of the package. Other methods of creating the line of weakness include etching by means other than laser, grooving the inner surface, or forming perforations that penetrate at least the inner layer of the package. Preferably, the formation of the line of weakness should not compromise the integrity of the formed package, especially when the stack is single packaged. Thus, for example, if the line of weakness is made using perforations, they should preferably only penetrate one or more inner layers and not completely penetrate the package. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), instead of creating two spaced lines of weakness to form the tear zone 28, the package is split by creating only one line of weakness. Derivatives may be formed. In the completely formed package, the line of weakness extends at least partially in the width direction of the package so as to surround all or part of the end lid region of the package 26. A tab may be formed between the line of weakness and the first longitudinal edge 44 on the first side edge of the package. When the package is fully formed, the tab can be grasped by the user to open the package and pulled to begin tearing the package along the line of weakness. The line of weakness is formed to extend across the entire width of the package so that when the package is opened, it completely surrounds all or part of the end cap that is completely separated from the rest of the package. obtain. Alternatively, the line of weakness only needs to extend across the packaging body 26 halfway so as to only partially surround the whole or part of the end cap. In this case, a portion of the end cap 30 located within the line of weakness remains attached to the rest of the package to form a flap when the package is opened. The line of weakness may follow a curved path to provide a shaped opening.

  It is particularly advantageous if the tear derivative is at least partly arranged in the end cap area of the package, but even if the tear derivative is arranged in the side wall area of the finished package, an advantageous confectionery pellet The package may be provided by forming the tear derivative with one or more lines of weakness to the package. The use of weak lines formed by laser etching or other methods as indicated above is substantially invisible to the user, and therefore a tearing derivative that does not affect the aesthetic configuration of the package may be present in the package. Allows to be formed.

  Of course, the precise nature of the package and the method of application of the package to the stack of pellets can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a second inner wrap (not shown) may be provided and it is positioned around the stack of pellets before the wrapping 26 that will be the outer wrap is applied. Furthermore, each pellet of the stack may be individually packaged. It will also be appreciated that the packages and methods according to the present invention are not limited to use in gum pellet packages, but apply to use in packages of other confectionery products or items that can be formed into a stack. obtain. For example, jasper, candy, chocolate, toffee, or mint, and other similar confectionery products can be packaged according to the present invention.

  Although the present invention has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements, but rather is within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various variations and equivalent configurations included in

Claims (24)

A package of the stack of confectionery pellets having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis passes through all the pellets in the stack, the package comprises a sheet wrapping body covering the stack, said packaging body, wherein Wrapped around the stack and prior to winding, the package projects opposite opposing edges aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and beyond each end of the stack An opposite longitudinal edge, and the package is formed along the stack to form a side wall that surrounds the stack about the longitudinal axis with the opposing side edges overlapping. And each longitudinal end edge of the package is formed on each of the stacks to form an end cap of the package that encloses a respective axial end of the stack. Will flap folded to overlie the shaft end, and, at least some of these flaps forming each end cap is formed so as to overlap each other, wherein the package further the user line the package to assist in opening the package by tearing along, and Nde including a tear guide extending about said longitudinal axis,
The tear derivative includes an outer longitudinal edge and an inner longitudinal edge spaced from the outer longitudinal edge, and is positioned such that at least the outer longitudinal edge is disposed within one of the end caps ; The package further characterized in that the tear derivative extends over at least two overlapping flaps on one of the end caps . Inner longitudinal edge of the tear guide is package according to claim 1, characterized in that disposed on the side wall of the package. The inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is located no more than 3 millimeters from the edge of the end cap , and preferably the inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is no more than 2 millimeters from the edge of the end cap , in particular 1 The package of claim 2 , wherein the package is arranged to be 5 millimeters or less. Furthermore the inner longitudinal edge of the tear guide package according to claim 1, characterized in that disposed in the end cap. 2. The tear derivative is formed by fixing a band-shaped material to an inner surface of the package, and the material for forming the band is stronger than the material of the remaining part of the package. The package as described in any one of thru | or 4 . 6. Package according to claim 5 , characterized in that the band comprises a polymer, preferably a plastic material. The tear guide may be any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that defined between the packaging at least partially extending to two intervals drilled lines of weakness in the width direction of the Package described in. The package according to claim 7 , wherein the weak line is formed on an inner surface of the package by etching. The package according to claim 8 , wherein the weak line is formed on an inner surface of the package by laser etching. The tear derivative is formed substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the package before the package is formed along the stack, and the outer longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is Spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the package by a distance in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters, and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is the first longitudinal edge of the package from a package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that apart by a distance in the range of 6 millimeters to twelve millimeters drilled. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the tearing derivative partially surrounds all or part of one of the end caps. The tear guide may package of any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that extending to form a curved path. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the confectionery pellet is a chewing gum pellet. A method of packaging a stack of confectionary pellets having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis passes through all the pellets in the stack, the method comprising the sheet wrapping body having opposite side edges and opposite longitudinal edge , Adjacent to the stack of confectionery pellets, the opposing side edges are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack, and the opposing longitudinal edges extend beyond the respective ends of the stack In order to form a side wall that surrounds the stacked body with the longitudinal axis as a center in a state in which the opposing side edges overlap with each other so that the package body is projected along the stacked body. Wrapping in a direction and a flap that is folded over the respective shaft ends of the stack to form an end lid of the package that encloses the shaft ends of the stack. And forming each of the longitudinal ends of the package such that at least some of the flaps forming each end lid overlap each other, said package further comprising: Including a tearing derivative extending about the longitudinal axis to assist in opening the package by tearing along the line;
The tear derivative includes an outer longitudinal edge and an inner longitudinal edge spaced from the outer longitudinal edge; and the method includes the tear derivative extending about the longitudinal axis and the tear derivative. At least the outer longitudinal edge of the derivative is disposed within the end cap of the package, and further, when the package is fully formed, the tear derivative extends across the at least two overlapping flaps in the end cap. A method comprising positioning the tear derivative . 15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising positioning the tear derivative such that an inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is disposed on a side wall of the package. The method further includes positioning the tear derivative such that an inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is no more than 3 millimeters from an edge of the end cap , and preferably the method includes the inner longitudinal edge. 16. A method according to claim 15 , comprising positioning the tearing derivative such that a directional edge is no more than 2 millimeters, and in particular no more than 1.5 millimeters, from the edge of the end cap. 15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the method includes positioning the tear derivative such that both outer and inner longitudinal edges of the tear derivative are disposed within an end cap of the package. The method described. In the completed package, the method includes a split that extends only partially in the width direction of the package from the first side edge of the package so as to partially surround at least a part of the end lid. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17 , further comprising a step of forming a derivative in the package. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18 , wherein the method includes a step of forming a tear derivative in the package by fixing a band-shaped material to the inner surface of the package. The method includes forming two spaced lines of weakness in the package, the line of weakness being at least partially in the width direction of the package to define a tearing derivative therebetween. the method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that extending. 21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the line of weakness is formed on an inner surface of the package by performing etching. The method of claim 21 , wherein the line of weakness is formed by performing laser etching on an inner surface of the package. The method is such that the outer longitudinal edge of the tear derivative is spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the package by a distance in the range of 5 to 10 millimeters, and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear derivative. Forming a tear derivative in the package such that the directional edge is spaced from the first longitudinal edge of the package by a distance in the range of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters. the method according to any one of claims 14 to 22. 24. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 23 , wherein the method is applied to packaging chewing gum pellets.

Images