KR20150134421A - Packaging insert - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging insert comprising a plurality of individual pockets each formed to fit a elongated element, each pocket having a hexagonal cross-section; The length of each individual pocket is essentially the same as that of the elongated element, as well as for processes and packets for preparing packets, such as (but not limited to) cigarette packets containing the packaging insert of the present invention will be.

Description

Packaging insert {PACKAGING INSERT}

The present invention relates to packaging inserts containing elongate elements, and in particular, but not exclusively, to packaging inserts containing smoking articles.

Various variations of packets for elongated elements such as toddlers are utilized. Improvements in this type of packaging are desired.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a packaging insert comprising a plurality of individual pockets each formed to fit a elongate element, each of the pockets having a hexagonal cross-section, wherein the length of each individual pocket is essentially a three- Element.

In one embodiment, the packaging insert comprises a first web having a series of parallel grooves and a second web having a series of parallel grooves, wherein the grooves of both the first web and the second web have a polygonal cross- wherein the first web and the second web have a second web having a three-sided polygonal cross section, the first web and the second web being arranged to provide a series of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section, It is essentially the same as the elongated element. For example, the grooves of the first web are directed and aligned with the grooves of the second web to provide a series of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section. When the regions of each web between the grooves are viewed as ridges, the ridges of the first web are arranged to be directed and aligned with the ridges of the second web.

In one embodiment, the grooves of the first web and the second web are equally spaced and identically formed.

The packaging insert also includes one or more additional webs having the same configuration as the first and second webs. For example, the packaging insert may further comprise a third web having a series of parallel grooves, the grooves having a three-sided polygonal cross-section, and the third web having a series of second individual pockets having a hexagonal cross- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > web. ≪ / RTI > The series of second individual pockets are formed by a second web and a third web. As a result, the convex surfaces (also referred to as ridges) of the grooves of the third web are arranged to be directed and aligned with the convex surfaces of the grooves of the second web.

A fourth web having a series of parallel grooves can also be added to the packaging insert. The fourth web can be arranged to provide a third series of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section.

In further embodiments, more webs can be added to the packaging insert as described above, providing additional layers of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section.

In one embodiment, the packaging insert further comprises a substantially flat web arranged adjacent the first web to provide a series of individual pockets having a semi-hexagonal cross-section. They are not intended to hold elongated elements. These additional webs provide a more uniform finish to the packaging insert and provide improved structural integrity. In a further embodiment, the packaging insert further comprises a substantially flat second web arranged on a side facing the substantially flat first web providing a series of second individual pockets having a half-hexagonal cross-section. For example, in one embodiment with two webs having grooves, a substantially flat second web is arranged adjacent to a second web having grooves; In one embodiment with three webs having grooves, a substantially flat second web is arranged adjacent to a third web having grooves, and so on. The substantially flat second web also provides improved finishing and increased structural integrity.

In one embodiment, the webs having grooves and the substantially flat webs have the same sizes.

All the webs used in the present invention may be made of the same material or different materials. Any suitable material can be used including, but not limited to, a card with a thin wall. For example, the webs are impermeable to water, moisture and / or air. In such environments, the webs can be made of a single material that is impermeable to water / moisture and / or air. Alternatively, the webs may comprise any suitable substrate such as a thin walled card, board, film, or foil, and further include a layer or membrane that is impermeable to water, moisture and / or air .

The webs used can be connected to each other. In one embodiment, the webs may be joined together. Any suitable bonding means may be used including but not limited to adhesives. For example, the first web and the second web can be connected to each other, wherein the second web contacts the area between the grooves of the first web. For example, a first web having grooves and ridges may be connected to a second web where the second web contacts the ridges of the first web toward the second web. A first web having grooves and ridges may be connected to a second web having grooves and ridges wherein the ridges of the first web contact the ridges of the second web toward the first web.

Individual pockets are designed to hold the elongated element.

In one embodiment, each individual pocket is sealed to allow individual entry into each pocket.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a packet is provided in which the packaging insert of the present invention is included.

In embodiments where the elongated elements are smokers, the packet may be any type of packet, including but not limited to a soft cap packet or a flip top packet. In the present invention, a soft cap packet is particularly preferred.

The packaging inserts of the present invention may also be designed to facilitate further processing of the packaging insert. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a packaging insert is provided, the packaging insert comprising a first web having a series of parallel grooves and a second web having a series of parallel grooves, And the second web both have areas with no grooves and the areas without grooves on the first web are arranged to be aligned and aligned with the areas without grooves on the second web. The area where the two areas without grooves align with each other provides an area free of pockets. This arrangement allows the packaging insert to be folded along an axis located within the area without pockets. Thus, a series of first individual pockets located on one side of the area free of pockets are folded to face a series of second individual pockets on the other side of the area without pockets.

In one embodiment of the invention, the packaging insert comprises a single elongate element in one or more of the individual pockets or in individual pockets. For example, a packaging insert may include three elongated elements in each individual pocket.

In the present invention, the elongated elements can be positioned in the pockets by any conventional method. For example, elongated elements can be inserted into the completed packaging insert of the present invention. Alternatively, the elongated elements may be in place during assembly of the packaging insert. In one embodiment, wherein the packaging insert comprises a first web and a second web, the webs having grooves with a polygonal cross-section of three sides arranged to provide a series of hexagonal pockets, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > first < / RTI > web to provide individual pockets of the first web.

A packet comprising a packaging insert of the present invention as described above in a further aspect of the present invention is provided.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing a packaging insert of the present invention, comprising the steps of: providing a first web having grooves having a polygonal cross-section of three sides and a second web having grooves having a polygonal cross- 2 web, and arranging the first and second webs to provide a series of parallel individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a packaging insert according to any of the embodiments of the present invention for protecting elongated elements during storage and / or transport.

1 illustrates a packaging insert according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated as a soft cap packet.
Figure 2a shows a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a first web and a second web.
Figure 2B illustrates a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the present invention including a first web, a second web, and a third web.
Figure 3 illustrates how packaging inserts and packaging inserts according to one embodiment of the invention can be inserted into a flip top packet.
4A and 4B illustrate how a packaging insert and a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the invention can be inserted into a soft cap packet and a flip-top packet, respectively.
5A and 5B illustrate how a packaging insert and a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the invention can be folded.
6A and 6B illustrate how a packaging insert and a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the invention can be folded.
Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate how a packaging insert and packaging insert, according to one embodiment of the invention, can be included in a packet having a flip top lid.
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate how a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the invention can be assembled.
Figures 9A and 9B illustrate how elongated elements can be positioned within individual pockets provided in a packaging insert according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention provides a method of packaging elongated elements in a manner that provides protection against bending and / or breakage during transportation and / or storage of the elements. It is also possible to increase the number of elongated elements, such as the elongated elements, in a manner that enhances the customer experience in both, while opening the container of the elongated element and withdrawing the element from the container and keeping the element longer, And particularly provides a method of packaging smoking foods. On the contrary, a packaging insert which retains one or more elongate elements and which improves the protection provided by the packaging as a whole can be used. Such a packaging insert may then be included in the packet.

In the present invention, the length of each individual pocket is essentially the same as the elongated element, for example, each pocket has the same length as the elongated element. Such a structure provides support and protection over the entire length of the elongate element and does not allow any significant movement when it is transported or used or carried by an end user. Such a design prevents at least longitudinal movement of the elongated elements in the packaging insert. In the same aspect, in some embodiments, the cross-sections of each pocket have essentially the same dimensions as the cross-sections of each elongate element. Such a design prevents at least lateral movement of the elongate elements within the pocket.

The elongated elements may be any cylindrical article, but are not limited thereto. Examples of suitable elongated elements include, but are not limited to smokers and electronic cigarettes. As used herein, the term "smoking article" refers to cigarettes, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recycled tobacco, or tobacco substitutes, and also any cigarettes based on non- Cigars, and smoking cigarettes. The smoker may be provided with a filter for gas phase flow blown by the smoker. Other suitable elongated elements include items that are brittle and degradable, such as (but not limited to) halogen bulbs and glass ampoules. Glass test tubes containing one, two, three or more than four smokers may also be suitable.

In the examples below, the present invention is described in the context of packaging inserts containing todies, although the invention should not be seen as being so limited. The packaging inserts of the present invention are applicable to any suitable elongated element.

Figure 1 illustrates a soft cap packet 100 comprising a packaging insert 1001 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging insert 1001 includes a plurality of individual pockets 1002 having a hexagonal cross-section. Figure 1 shows a plurality of pockets 1002 including a cigarette 1003. Each pocket 1002 has essentially the same length as the cigarette 1003 therein.

FIG. 2A illustrates a packaging insert 160 of an embodiment of the present invention that includes a plurality of individual pockets 168 having a hexagonal cross-section. The packaging insert 160 is formed of a first web 161 and a second web 162 and both have a series of parallel grooves 163 and 165 having polygonal cross-sections of three sides. The grooves 163 of the first web result in a series of parallel, individual pockets 168 aligned with and directed to the grooves 165 of the second web, each pocket receiving a single elongate element 167 Respectively. The areas of each web 164, 166 between each groove can be seen as ridges.

Figure 2b shows how the packaging insert of Figure 2a can be deformed. In FIG. 2, a packaging insert 170 is shown that includes a plurality of individual pockets 1711, 1712. The packaging insert forms a first web 171, a second web 172 and a third web 173 all of which are arranged in a series of parallel grooves 174, 175, 176 with polygonal cross- And ridges 177, 178, and 179, respectively. The grooves 174 of the first web align and align with the grooves 175 of the second web resulting in a series of parallel, individual pockets 1711 having a hexagonal cross-section and each pocket having a single elongate element 1710). The ridges 179 of the third web align and align with the ridges 178 of the second web, resulting in a series of parallel individual pockets 1712, each of which has a single elongate element 1710 And is formed to contain and contain.

Figure 3 illustrates how a packaging insert 180 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of individual pockets 182, each pocket having a hexagonal cross-section, such as (but not limited to) a cigarette packet Lt; / RTI > packet 181). In Figure 3, the packet has a flip top lead 183, but the packaging inserts of the present invention are also useful in the context of other types of packets.

4A and 4B also illustrate how a packaging insert 190 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of individual pockets 193, wherein each pocket having a hexagonal cross-section has the same (but not identical) cigarette packet But are not limited to, packets 191 or 192. [ In Figure 4A, packet 191 is a simple three-dimensional rectangle with one open end. Such a packet may optionally be subsequently filled with smokable items and covers all of the stomach to cover the open end shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4B, the packet 192 includes a flip top lid 194. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the packaging inserts of the present invention are suitable for use in all kinds of packets, not just the packets illustrated in this application.

5A shows an end cross-sectional view of a packaging insert 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention that includes two series of parallel, individual pockets 51 having a hexagonal cross-section. The first set of pockets is labeled "501 ". A series of second pockets are labeled "502 ". Each pocket 51 includes a single smoking cigarette 52. The packaging insert further comprises a flat web (53). Each series of individual pockets 501, 502 is positioned on the side of the flat web in such a manner that all of the pockets are arranged in parallel. Also, a portion of the flat web 503 remains without the pockets. The packaging insert 50 can then be folded as shown in Figure 5b (book-style). The packaging insert is folded along an axis extending along the area 503 of the flat web 53 without pockets to provide a packaging insert having individual pockets of two layers having a hexagonal cross-section.

6A illustrates a packaging insert 60 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The packaging insert 60 includes a series of individual pockets 61 having a hexagonal cross-section. Each pocket 61 contains a smoking article 62, such as but not limited to a cigarette. These embodiments do not include flat webs. However, it is still folded as shown in FIG. 6B to provide a packaging insert 60 having individual pockets 61 of two layers with a hexagonal cross-section. Each pocket includes a smoking article 62.

7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate how a packaging insert 70 according to one embodiment of the invention can be included in packet 71, such as but not limited to a cigarette packet. The packaging insert 70 comprises three layers of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section. Although not shown in Figures 7A-7C, the packaging insert 70 can be formed of three webs having the same pitch of grooves and each groove having a three-sided polygonal cross-section, The three webs arranged for have a hexagonal cross-section. Although not shown in Figs. 7A-7C, the packaging insert 70 is used to hold / store smoking items such as (but not limited to) cigarettes.

The packets 71 shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are formed of a flat piece of material, such as but not limited to a card. The material is formed such that it can be folded to include the packaging insert 70 in the packet 71 (see, for example, FIG. 7B). The final packet 71 is shown in Fig. 7C (the packaging insert 70 is not visible in the packet).

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate how packaging inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged to provide layers of individual pockets each having a hexagonal cross-section. There is provided a first packaging insert 81 having a single layer of parallel individual pockets according to the present invention. The packaging insert 81 may be formed of two webs (not shown in Figs. 8A-8C) having a series of parallel grooves arranged to provide hexagonal individual pockets. As shown in FIG. 8B, a similar second packaging insert 82 formed of a single layer of parallel, individual pockets is supplied to the first packaging insert 81. The first packaging insert 81 and the second packaging insert 82 are arranged such that the pockets of the second layer 82 fit into the spaces between the pockets of the first layer 81. The packaging insert 81, 82 shown in Figure 8B has hexagonal pockets of two layers. The third packaging insert 83 is fed to the packaging inserts 81 and 82 and the pockets of the packaging insert 83 are inserted into the spaces between the pockets of the second packaging insert 82 . The packaging inserts 81, 82, 83 shown in Figure 8c have individual pockets of three layers.

8A-8C, each of the packaging inserts 81, 82 and 83 is supplied to a platform 84 on which the packaging inserts 81, 82, 83 are formed. Platform 84 has the ability to be lowered. For example, the platform allows the first packaging insert 81 to be lowered after being positioned on the platform 84 to allow the second packaging insert 82 to be fed to the top of the first packaging insert (see FIG. 8A). Again, the platform allows the second packaging insert to be lowered after being positioned on the first packaging insert 81 (see FIG. 8B), allowing the third packaging insert to be fed to the top of the packaging inserts 81 and 82 . The platform 84 also has the ability to be lifted to move the packaging inserts 81, 82, 83 for further processing. For example, the platform 84 can raise the packaging insert 81, 82, 83 to the same level as the second conveyor belt 86 so that the packaging insert can be raised by the mechanical arm 87 for additional packaging 2 conveyor belt (see FIG. 8C). 8A and 8B, the packaging inserts 81, 82, and 83 may be fed to the platform 84 by the first conveyor belt 85. As shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate how a packaging insert according to an embodiment of the present invention can be prepared and how a smoker can be positioned in a separate pocket of such an insert. Figure 9A shows a packaging insert prepared by a first web having grooves 91 and a second web having grooves 92. [ The smokers 93 are fed by a roller 94 into the groove of the second web 92. The first web 91 with grooves is then fed to the second web 92 and the first web 91 and the second web 92 are each provided with a series of hexagonal individual pockets 94 . Figure 9b illustrates an alternative process for preparing a similar packaging insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging insert shown in Fig. 9b consists of a first web 91 with grooves and a second web 92 with grooves. First web 91 and second web 92 are first arranged to provide a series of parallel, individual pockets 94 with each groove having a hexagonal cross-section aligned with and facing each other. The toast 93 is then inserted into each individual pocket 94 through one of the open ends of the pockets 94.

In order to solve various problems and to advance the technique, the entirety of the present disclosure may be applied to various embodiments (e.g., a method of manufacturing the packaging inserts) that can provide the superior methods for manufacturing the packaging inserts in which the claimed invention As an example. The advantages and features of the disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to help understand and teach the claimed features. Benefits, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the disclosure can be combined with other aspects of the invention, such as restrictions on initiation as defined by the claims or restrictions on equivalents with the claims It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. The various embodiments may suitably comprise, constitute or essentially constitute various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, and the like. Furthermore, the disclosure does not include the presently claimed, but includes other inventions to be claimed in the future.

Claims (22)

Each of the pockets having a hexagonal cross-section, the length of each individual pocket being essentially the same as the elongated element,
Packaging insert. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the packaging insert comprises a first web having a series of parallel grooves and a second web having a series of parallel grooves, the grooves of both the first web and the second web having a polygonal cross-section of three sides, Wherein the first web and the second web are arranged to provide a series of individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-
Packaging insert. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the grooves of the first web and the second web are equally spaced and have identical shapes,
Packaging insert. The method according to claim 2 or 3,
Further comprising one or more additional webs having a series of parallel grooves arranged with the first web or the second web to provide a further set of individual pockets.
Packaging insert. 5. The method of claim 4,
The packaging insert further comprises a third web having a series of parallel grooves, the grooves having a three-sided polygonal cross-section, the third web being arranged adjacent the second web to form a series of hexagonal cross- Arranged to provide two individual pockets,
Packaging insert. 6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
Wherein the packaging insert further comprises a substantially flat web disposed adjacent the first web to provide a series of individual pockets having a semi-hexagonal cross-
Packaging insert. The method according to claim 6,
Further comprising a substantially flat second web arranged on a side facing the substantially flat first web to provide a series of second individual pockets having a half-hexagonal cross-
Packaging insert. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7,
The webs having a series of parallel grooves and the substantially flat web (s)
Packaging insert. 9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
All of the webs are made of the same material,
Packaging insert. 10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
Wherein one or more of the webs are made of a thin walled card,
Packaging insert. 11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10,
Wherein one or more of the webs are made of a material that is impermeable to water, moisture, and / or air,
Packaging insert. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Wherein both ends of each individual pocket are sealed,
Packaging insert. 13. The method of claim 12,
One end of each individual pocket is permanently sealed and the other end is temporarily sealed to allow access to each individual pocket,
Packaging insert. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein the packaging insert comprises individual pockets of two or more layers having a hexagonal cross-
Packaging insert. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein layers are provided in which no space is provided between each individual pocket,
Packaging insert. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The elongate element (s) may be a smoking article, such as a cigarette,
Packaging insert. A packet comprising a packaging insert as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16. 18. The method of claim 17,
The packet is a soft packet,
packet. 19. The method of claim 18,
The soft packet is a soft cap packet,
packet. 17. A method of preparing a packaging insert according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Providing a second web having grooves having a first web having three-sided polygonal cross-sections and three-sided polygonal cross-sections, and
And arranging the first and second webs to provide a series of parallel individual pockets having a hexagonal cross-section.
How to prepare the packaging insert. Use of a packaging insert as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 for protecting elongated elements during storage and / or transport. A packaging insert or method for preparing a packaging insert as described above with reference to the drawings.

Images