KR20110112363A - Naked collation package - Google Patents

Abstract

The naked collation package 1, 21, 31, 41, 51 includes a plurality of individual units 2, 32, 52 arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row. One or more borders (3, 33, 63) between neighboring pairs of individual units in a unit row; The unit rows are enveloped with a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlap area for providing a rim seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows, wherein the sheet is such an area to provide the rim seal. Is sealed in itself, the width of the sheet is longer than the row of units to provide an envelope seal area at at least one end of the row of units, and the sheet is squeezed out of the area to seal itself; Or not substantially longer than the unit row; The sheet is provided with a line of weakness 6, 36, 56 positioned substantially coincident with the boundary along the length, or a portion of the length or portions along the length.

Description

Naked Collection Package {NAKED COLLATION PACKAGE}

Naked collation relates to the field of packaging, in which a plurality of individual units (generally, of commercial goods) are arranged within the naked collation, directly into the packaging film (any intermediate packaging, such as a box or pass-through). To keep the wrapped and aligned units together in a naked collection package. Naked collation offers many advantages, reducing the amount of packaging material (by avoiding the need for any intermediate packaging) and making the individual units visible in the case of transparent packaging films.

Naked Collation's packaging technology is relatively rigid and / or particularly pliable, such as cigarette boxes, boxed drugs, playing cards, packaged perfumes and cosmetics, CD cases, DVD cases, and the like. Especially useful in connection with packaging. Although these are not required, these items are usually units that are themselves wrapped in overpack film so that once removed from the naked collation package, the units are then ready for display on a retailer's shelf, for example. The problem of avoiding sealing the outer film of a naked collation package with a unit wrap film is described, for example, in co-pending application PCT / GB / 2008/050662.

In contrast, the present invention is easy to achieve and preferably a naked collation package in a manner that allows individual units or groups of units to be removed from the naked collation package without compromising the integrity of the rest of the package. To remove individual units from the apparatus.

In normal naked collation, as in many other types of packaging, shrink films are applied to ensure tight cover. Tight wrapping, which is desirable from both a practical and aesthetic point of view, is achieved by shrink films or other means, and end-users or retailers often experience difficulties in removing individual units or groups of individual units from largely naked collection packages. . This is because the film is wrapped tightly around the aligned unit so that the user cannot obtain a purchase of the film for tearing and removing the outer film. The user may resort to using sharp tools or strong forces to assist in the opening process, but this may in turn cause damage to individual units, or the entire package may be damaged, so that the user's intention is to Even when only one or a part is to be removed, all of the individual units can be released and spilled.

In a naked collation package, individual units (such as cigarette boxes enclosed in units by example) are generally stacked, placed end-to-end, and then wrapped with sheets of naked collation film. Stack heights vary from single unit stacks to double or triple (or quadruple) unit stacks. The pack length can be from 2 to about 20, or more units, but is often in the range of about 3 to 10 units in length. About 4 to about 6 pack lengths are common in the field of, for example, naked collated cigarette boxes.

In naked collation packages, for example, using a sharp tool to penetrate the outer packaging film is at high risk of damaging the wrapped article; And it is desirable to provide a means of preparing for the opening of such a pack manually. It is also desirable to provide a means for separating individual units, or groups of units from the main body of the pack while leaving the enclosed unit remaining in the pack which is substantially intact.

A naked collation package is provided in accordance with the present invention, wherein the naked collation package comprises a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row being unit rows. One or more boundaries between neighboring pairs of individual units in the system; The unit rows are overlaid with sheets of polymer film having a length and width, the length of the sheets being at the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing a girth seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows. Sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between, the sheet itself sealing to the area to provide a rim seal; The width of the sheet is longer than the row of units to provide an envelope sealing area at one or more ends of the unit rows such that the wrapped and edge-sealed sheet is folded to seal itself at at least one end of the row of units to provide an envelope seal. The sheet is folded in the area to seal itself to provide an envelope seal; The sheet is provided with a line of weakness that is positioned substantially coincident with the boundary along the length, or a portion or portions of the length.

Also provided according to the invention is a naked collation package, the naked collation package comprising a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, The unit column includes one or more boundaries between neighboring pairs of individual units in the unit column; The unit rows are enveloped with a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlap area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; The sheet is self sealing in said area to provide a rim seal; The width of the sheet is longer than the row of units to provide an envelope seal area within at least one end of the unit row, and thus the enclosed and rim-sealed sheet can be folded to seal itself at one or more ends of the unit row to provide an envelope seal. The sheet itself is entangled and sealed in the area to provide an envelope seal; The sheet provides one or more lines of weakness that are positioned substantially coincident with the boundary along the length, or a portion or portions of the length.

It is desirable to reduce the amount of outer packaging film used in naked collation packets.

In addition, a naked collation package is provided in accordance with the present invention, the naked collation package comprising a plurality of individual units disposed end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit The column comprises one or more individual units between neighboring pairs of individual units in the unit column; The unit rows are enveloped with a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlapping area for providing a rim seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows, the sheet being adapted to provide a rim seal. Self-sealing in the area; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows so that the wrapped and rim-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit rows; The sheet is provided with a weak line where the length, or a portion or portions of the length, is positioned substantially coincident with the boundary.

In addition, a naked collation package is provided in accordance with the present invention, wherein the naked collation package includes a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row being One or more boundaries between neighboring pairs of individual units in the unit column; The unit rows are overlaid with a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlap area for providing a rim seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows, and the sheet is such an area to provide the rim seal. Self sealed within; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows so that the wrapped and rim-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit rows; The sheet is provided with one or more lines of weakness that are positioned substantially coincident with the boundary along the length, a portion or portions of the length.

The naked collation package of the invention separates the individual unit or group of units from the rest of the package by bending the package within the area of the boundary, leaving the rest of the intact package.

The unit row includes two or more individual units, but may include, for example, three or more or about four or five or more individual units. The unit rows may be a single unit in height, or may be double or triple stacked, for example.

When a unit row includes two or more individual units, there is a corresponding plurality of boundaries between the individual units of neighboring pairs. In this situation, it is preferable to provide a plurality of lines of weakness along the length of the sheet; Each weak line is positioned substantially coincident with each boundary.

The naked collation package may include two or more vulnerable lines in a spaced apart relationship, wherein the two or more vulnerable lines are positioned to substantially coincide with each boundary.

The naked collation package may include a first vulnerable line that is spaced apart from the second vulnerable line, wherein the first vulnerable line is located on one side of each boundary, and the second vulnerable line is opposite to each boundary. It is located on the side. This arrangement provides a greater margin of error locally when each boundary and one or more lines of weakness coincide.

The or each fragile line may be provided to the sheet by any suitable means such as, for example, ablation, incision or perforation.

Typically, the sheet is a polymer film having a machine direction and a cross direction. Preferably in this case the length of the sheet is in the machine direction and the or each fragile line is provided by feeding the sheet in the form of a web with a suitable ablation, incision or drilling tool such that the or each fragile line is provided in the machine direction. .

Preferably, the film is a shrink film so that after or during sealing the film itself around the row of units, the film may shrink to form a tight pit.

Preferably, each individual unit is substantially the same shape and size as each other individual unit in the pack. Also, each individual unit is of substantially regular shape and the or each boundary between neighboring units is a substantially straight boundary.

The or each weak line provided substantially coincident with the boundary between neighboring packs may be a substantially straight line of weak line. However, it may be particularly desirable for the or each weak line to have an oscillating pattern. For example, the or each weak line can be provided, for example, as a zigzag line or a sinusoidal profile. This allows a larger margin of error in matching the boundary and the or each weak line. The or each weak line is continuous or discontinuous and may comprise a series of repeated patterns.

Preferably, the or each weak line is a vibration type weak line. More preferably said or each weak line is a vibrating weak line having its own vibrating repeating unit.

By vibrating preferably means said or each fragile line propagates sequentially up and down the longitudinal axis formed along the length of said or each fragile line through the center of the longitudinal axis.

There is also provided a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package according to the invention, which method comprises:

a) providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, wherein the unit row is one or more boundaries between a plurality of neighboring pairs of units in the unit row; Comprising;

b) providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width, the length of the sheet being sufficiently overlapped between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; Sufficient to cover the unit rows; The width of the sheet is longer than the unit rows to provide an envelope sealing area at at least one end of the unit rows;

c) providing a line of weakness along the length of the film;

d) matching the boundary with the line of weakness;

e) wrapping the perimeter of the unit rows in the length of the film and sealing the film itself to provide a rim seal; And

f) folding the film in the envelope sealing area to seal itself to provide the envelope seal.

There is also provided a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package according to the invention, which method comprises:

a) providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, wherein the unit row is one or more boundaries between a plurality of neighboring pairs of units in the unit row; Comprising;

b) providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; The width of the sheet is longer than the unit rows to provide an envelope sealing area at at least one end of the unit rows;

c) providing a line of weakness along the length of the film;

d) substantially matching at least one fragile line with at least one boundary line;

e) wrapping the perimeter of the unit rows in the length of the film and sealing the film itself to provide a rim seal; And

f) folding the film in the envelope sealing area to seal itself to provide the envelope seal.

The present invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package, the method comprising:

a) providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, wherein the unit row is one or more boundaries between a plurality of neighboring pairs of units in the unit row; Comprising;

b) providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width, the length of the sheet being sufficiently overlapped between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; Sufficient to cover the unit rows; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows;

c) providing a line of weakness along the length of the film;

d) matching the boundary with the line of weakness; And

e) wrapping the film around the unit rows and sealing the film itself to provide an open-ended rim seal sleeve around the unit rows.

The present invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package, the method comprising:

a) providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, wherein the unit row is one or more boundaries between a plurality of neighboring pairs of units in the unit row; Comprising;

b) providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width, the length of the sheet being sufficiently overlapped between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; Sufficient to cover the unit rows; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows;

c) providing one or more lines of weakness along the length of the film;

d) substantially matching at least one fragile line with at least one boundary line; And

e) wrapping the film around the unit rows and sealing the film itself to provide an open-ended rim seal sleeve around the unit rows.

The film used according to the invention can be of various thicknesses depending on the application conditions. For example, the film may be about 10 to about 240 μm thick and preferably about 50 to about 90 μm thick. The line of weakness in the film is preferably a narrower dimension than the rest of the film, for example 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or 50% narrower than the size of the film, Through or substantially throughout.

Prior to the deposition of any coating and / or skin or laminate layer, the films used in the present invention may be those described herein [preferably films of polylactic, polygalactic and / or cellulose (eg, Any suitable polymer film substrate, such as a film made of a biopolymer such as a microorganism and / or a regenerated cellulose film); Thermoplastic film; Polymer films (eg polyolefins [eg polypropylene and / or polyethylene], polyurethanes, polyvinyl halides [eg PVC], polyesters [eg polyethylene terephthalate-PET], Polyamides (eg nylon) and / or unhydrocarbon polymers; And / or composite sheets formed from multiple layers and / or any suitable combinations and / or mixtures thereof. Suitable film substrates thus include polyolefin films, also polyester films, polyurethane films, cellulose and PLA films.

The film of the present invention may consist of only one layer or may comprise a plurality of layers. When present, the layers may be combined by lamination and / or co-extrusion and / or coating and / or melt coat extrusion. The film is otherwise characterized by the desired properties of the film; For example, it can be treated to improve printability or coating adhesion (eg, by corona discharge treatment).

Films of the invention include dyes, pigments, pigments; Voiding agents; Metal and / or metalloid coatings (eg, aluminum); Lubricating oils, anti-oxidants, surface-active agents, reinforcing aids, gloss improving agents, decomposition promoters, UV weakening materials (eg UV light stabilizers); Sealing additives; Tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, entry agents for improving adhesion and / or printability, crosslinking agents; One or more additive materials such as anti-slip and / or anti-blocking additives and the like.

The invention is further illustrated by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a first aspect of the present invention,
2 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a second aspect of the present invention,
3 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a third aspect of the present invention,
4 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
5 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a fifth aspect of the present invention;
6 is a perspective view of a naked collation pack according to a sixth aspect of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a naked collation package including ten collated individual units 2 having two stacked in a height direction and having five along the length of a unit row; ). Each individual unit 2 is arranged side-to-side with a neighboring individual unit and has a boundary 3 between the individual units. The collation film 4 wraps around the unit row and is sealed by itself by a rim seal (not shown, at the bottom of the package 1 as shown). Although only one end is shown in FIG. 1, an envelope seal 5 is provided at each end of the package 1. In the machine direction of the film 4 weak lines 6 are provided substantially coincident with each boundary 3 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprise straight perforations in the film. In use, the package 1 may be held as one end and two, four, six or eight individual units 2 may be bent by bending the package 1 in the region of the appropriate boundary 3. Can be cut out from the end.

Referring to FIG. 2, a naked collation package 21 is shown having similar characteristics to that described with respect to FIG. 1, except that the weak lines 26 include sinusoidal perforations in the film.

 Referring to FIG. 3, there is a naked collation package 31 including ten aligned individual units 32, which are double stacked in the height direction and provided with five along the length of the unit row. Each individual unit 32 is arranged side-to-side with a neighboring individual unit and has a boundary 33 between the individual units. The collation film 34 is wrapped around the unit unit and sealed by itself with a rim seal (not shown, as shown, at the bottom of the package 31). The width of the film 34 is not substantially greater than the length of the unit rows so that the film 34 forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit rows. In the machine direction of the film 34 a weak line 36 is provided substantially coincident with each boundary 33 and comprises a straight perforation in the film as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In use, the package 31 may be held as one end, but two, four, six or eight individual units 32 may be bent by bending the package 31 in the region of the appropriate boundary 33. Can be cut out from the end.

Referring to FIG. 4, a naked collation package 41 is shown having similar features to that described for FIG. 3, except that the weak line 46 includes sinusoidal perforations in the film.

Referring to FIG. 5, a naked collation package 51 is shown, including ten aligned individual units 52, stacked in double in the height direction and having five along the length of the unit row. Each individual unit 52 is arranged side-to-side with a neighboring individual unit and has a border 53 between the individual units. The collation film 54 is wrapped around the unit unit and sealed itself by a rim seal (not shown, below the package 51 as shown). Although only one end is shown in FIG. 5, an envelope seal 55 is provided at each end of the package 51. In the machine direction of the film 54 weak lines 56a and 56b are provided substantially coincident with the respective borders 53 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 include straight-line perforations in the film 54. do. The first line of weakness 56a is in a spaced apart relationship with the second line of weakness 56b; The first line of weakness 56a is located at one side of each boundary 53, and the second line of weakness 56b is located at the opposite side of each boundary 53. This arrangement provides a greater margin of error in position when matching each boundary and weak line. Of course, in other embodiments, two or more weak lines of spaced relationship may be provided at each boundary. In other embodiments, the fragile line may be a fragile line of oscillating form, such as a sinusoidal perforation in the film (eg, shown in FIG. 2). In use, the package 51 can be held as one end and two, four, six, or eight individual units 52 bent by bending the package 51 in the region of the appropriate boundary 53. Can be cut from the end.

Referring to FIG. 6, a naked collation package 61 is shown which includes ten aligned individual units 62, stacked in double in the height direction and provided with five along the length of the unit row. Each individual unit 62 is arranged side-to-side with a neighboring individual unit and has a boundary 63 between the individual units. The collation film 64 wraps around the unit rows and is sealed by an edge seal (not shown, at the bottom of the package 61 as shown). The width of the film 64 is not substantially greater than the length of the unit rows so that the film 64 forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit rows. The lines of weakness 66a and 66b in the machine direction of the film 64 are provided substantially coincident with the respective borders 63 and in the embodiment of FIG. 6 include straight perforations in the film 64. The lines of weakness 66a and 66b in the machine direction of the film 64 are provided substantially coincident with the respective borders 63 and in the embodiment of FIG. 6 include straight perforations in the film 64. The first weak line 66a is spaced apart from the second weak line 66b; The first weak line 66a is located at one side 67a of each boundary 63, and the second weak line 66b is located at the opposite side 67b of each boundary 63. This arrangement provides a greater margin of error locally when matching each boundary and weak line. Of course, in other embodiments, two or more lines of weakness may be provided at each boundary. In other embodiments, the weak lines may be vibrating weak lines, such as sinusoidal perforations in the film (eg, as shown in FIG. 4). In use, the package 61 may be held as one end and two, four, six, or eight individual units 62 may be bent by bending the package 61 in the region of the appropriate boundary 63. Can be cut from the end.

Claims (11)

As a naked collation package,
A plurality of individual units disposed end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row including one or more boundaries between neighboring pairs of individual units in the unit row. To; The unit rows are enveloped in sheets of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlapping area for providing a girth seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows. The sheet is self sealing in the area to provide; The width of the sheet itself is longer than the unit row so as to provide an envelope seal area at one or more ends of the unit rows and the edge-sealed sheet is folded to provide an envelope seal at at least one end of the unit row. Can be sealed, the sheet is entangled in the area to seal itself to provide an envelope seal; The sheet is provided with a line of weakness that is positioned substantially in line with the boundary along the length, or a portion or portions of the length,
Naked Collection Package.
As a naked collection package,
A plurality of individual units disposed end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row including one or more boundaries between neighboring pairs of individual units in the unit row; ; The unit rows are enveloped with a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheets to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows, the sheet covering the edges. Self sealing in said area to provide a seal; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows such that the wrapped and edge sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit rows; The sheet provides a line of weakness that is positioned substantially coincident with the boundary along the length, or a portion or portions of the length,
Naked Collection Package.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
By bending the package within the area of the boundary, the individual unit or group of individual units are separated from the rest of the package, leaving the rest of the package intact.
Naked Collection Package.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A plurality of boundaries between neighboring pairs of the individual units,
Naked Collection Package.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Comprising at least two fragile lines in a spaced apart relationship, wherein the at least two fragile lines are positioned substantially coincident with each boundary,
Naked Collection Package.
The method of claim 5, wherein
A first line of weakness in a relationship spaced apart from a second line of weakness, wherein the first line of weakness is located on one side of each boundary, and the second line of weakness is located on an opposite side of each boundary,
Naked Collection Package.
The method of claim 4, wherein
A plurality of lines of weakness along the length of the sheet, wherein each line of weakness is positioned substantially coincident with each boundary,
Naked Collection Package.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The weak line is a substantially straight weak line,
Naked Collection Package.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The weak line is a vibration type weak line,
Naked Collection Package.
As a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package,
a. Providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row comprising one or more boundaries between adjacent pairs of individual units in the unit row. Comprising;
b. Providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width, the length of the sheet being sufficiently overlapped between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; Sufficient to cover the unit rows; The width of the sheet is longer than the unit rows to provide an envelope seal area at one or more ends of the unit rows;
c. Providing a line of weakness along the length of the film;
d. Substantially matching the at least one boundary with the line of weakness;
e. Self sealing the film by wrapping the length of the film around the unit rows to provide a rim seal; And
f. Folding the film in the envelope sealing area to seal itself to provide the envelope seal,
Method for the manufacture of a naked collation package.
As a method for the manufacture of a naked collation package,
a. Providing a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end or side-to-side to form a unit row, the unit row comprising one or more boundaries between adjacent pairs of individual units in the unit row. Comprising;
b. Providing a sheet of polymer film having a length and a width; The length of the sheet is sufficient to cover the unit rows with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlapping area for providing an edge seal along at least a portion of the length of the unit rows; The width of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit rows;
c. Providing a line of weakness along the length of the film;
d. Substantially matching the at least one boundary with the line of weakness;
e. Self-sealing the film to enclose the unit rows around the length of the film and provide an open ended edge sealed sleeve around the unit rows;
Method for the manufacture of a naked collation package.

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