MXPA06005984A - Pack comprising a dispensing orifice created by overlapping portions of laminated packaging material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pack of products that can be dispensed from the pack, such as a pack of paper handkerchiefs. The pack of the present invention can comprises a flexible film material (optionally said film material comprising two layers of flexible film materials partially joined together), and non-overlapping portions of film material, having a first thickness, and overlapping portions of film material having a second and third thickness, and a dispensing orifice. The overlapping portions of film material overlap with other overlapping portions of film material. The second and third thickness is less than the first thickness. The invention can comprise a closure mean such as a flap able to cover the dispensing opening and the surrounding material in an overlapping way. The pack can be constituted by 2 layers of relatively thin flexible film material which are severed and joined together to provide an optimum utilization of the material. The invention also relates to the process of making such pack, in particular by the lamination of 2 or more layers of material to form the pack.

Description

FR, GB, GR, HU, IB, IS, IT, LU, MC, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, Cl, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). No ofeach regular issue of the PCT Gazette. Published: PACKAGING UNDERSTANDING A FORMED OFFICE HOLE WHEN TRANSFERRING PORTIONS OF LAMINATED PACKAGING MATERIAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a package for products that can be dispensed from the same package, such as a package of tissues, ie disposable tissues. The invention describes a package that provides optimum hygienic protection to the products contained in the package, and at the same time allows to dispatch the products easily and conveniently and optimizes the use of the materials. The above advantages are obtained, in particular, thanks to a closing means such as a flap or panel capable of covering, by overlap, the dispensing opening and the surrounding material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many products are sold in flexible packaging from which products are shipped. These products can be wipes or tissues of all kinds. The packaging acts as a protective barrier to prevent dust and dirt from coming into contact with the products during their use and storage. The packages are also, in many cases, the preferred dispensing device from which the Users can remove the product before using it. In most cases, the shipment is made through a hole in the packaging, adapted to allow the removal of the products (such as disposable tissues), while the rest of them remain confined within the packaging, still providing the adequate storage and protection of products that have not been used. In the pending European application no. 03 007 885, filed April 7, 2003, Goepfert et al. describe the advantages of having packages, in which the dispensing orifices include a portion of overlap: the overlap creates an efficient barrier against dust and grime and, at the same time, allows convenient use of the package. The packaging, made of flexible film materials, is generally formed by cutting and folding the film material, so that the final configuration corresponds to the desired shape of the package. Conventionally, that overlapped or superimposed portion (i.e., a flap) of the package is added to it as a separate piece of material. This not only generates considerable complexity in the manufacturing process, but also increases the total cost of packaging, since the presence of an overlap increases the consumption of material and the number of manufacturing stages.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Tempo® paper handkerchiefs, marketed by The Procter & Gamble, are a useful example of the field of application of the present invention. The most usual packages are wrapped by a piece of plastic film shaped and sealed to form a nearly parallelepiped shaped package with the following approximate dimensions: 110 mm x 55 mm x 20 mm. There are also or can be considered packages with larger or smaller dimensions. The dispensing opening of these packages is located at one end of a front panel (or side), which includes an intermediate edge of the package. A pre-perforated area can be broken to create an opening and an articulated flap in a joint parallel to an intermediate edge of the package or located on this same edge. The opening is practically in the shape of a half circle. The piece of material that initially covers the opening creates a flap that, alternatively, can open or close the dispensing orifice. The flap can be held in closed position by a resealable adhesive tape temporarily joining the flap and the front panel. The resealable adhesive tape has an end that does not contain adhesive (called "dry end") and that allows to easily hold and handle the adhesive tape and the closure flap. Two patent applications describe attempts to increase the convenience and hygienic properties of the conventional tissue packagings described above: In the European application EP 01129421, Goepfert and Buschkiel describe a package having a flap connected in an articulated manner to a side panel. The shape and size of the flap that does not overlap, that is to say lapels without overlap, are specifically designed to increase the hygienic protection of the handkerchiefs and, at the same time, to maximize the convenience of dispatch. In the pending European application no. 03 007 885, filed April 7, 2003, Goepfert et al. describe a package having a dispensing orifice with an overlapping portion to further improve the protection of the tissues. Other documents describe packages with overlapping portions: In EP 0475 463 B1 H. Focke describes a paper tissue package with a resealable adhesive tape that partially or completely covers a closure flap. In EP 0961 736, Muller et al. describe a package with a flap closure located on the side panel. The flap partially overlaps the side panel of the package. In the film there are slits that delineate a dispensing orifice smaller than the side panel. A resealable adhesive tape is provided to re-close the flap over the dispensing orifice. In a considerably similar way, Focke and Wach, in EP 0401 621, describe a package with a dispensing opening that is located in the side panel and is delineated by separation cuts. The cuts can extend to the front panel. In this mode, the dispensing orifice is formed by portions of both the front and side panels and the articulation of the flap located on the front panel. Focke and Mathews basically also describe this last modality in DE 39 20 065 A1. DE 31 00 286 A1 describes a package with a flap capable of overlapping the entire dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is located at one end of a front panel, near an intermediate edge of the package. In DE 39 11 779 A1, Focke and Liedtke describe a package with a resealable adhesive tape that overlaps the dispensing orifice of the front panel. The dispensing orifice of the frontal panel allows to take a handkerchief that is in the packaging. The flexibility of the film allows the tissue to be removed through the opening formed along an intermediate edge of the package which is in correspondence with the articulation of the flap. In EP 0 553 660 B1, H. Focke describes a package having a dispensing orifice in the front panel. A flap overlaps in the dispensing orifice. The overlap part of the flap is created with a Z-fold in the piece of film material that forms the package, after appropriate cuts. The flap joint is located along an intermediate edge of the package. The defined size of the piece of material limits the extent of the overlapping area of the flap around the dispensing orifice.

In WO 98/06369 and in the corresponding document of the US. no. 6 015 045, Joseph et al., Describe a package for sanitary articles having a resealable flap or temporary closure that overlaps a dispensing orifice. To create the overlap of the flap around the dispensing opening, an additional material is used. The flap joint is located along the middle edge of the package, which opens on the front panel. In DE 35 42 999 A1, filed on December 5, 1995 by Schickedanz, H. Pohl, a package is described whose flap is constituted by an oversized temporary seal tape covering the dispensing orifice and the surrounding panel. The edge of a facial tissue appears through the dispensing orifice. Temporary seal adhesive tape requires the complex distribution of the adhesive to ensure the functionality of the rupture portion. In EP 1 120 356 B1, Pierre Laurent et al. describe a package having a flap whose elements are formed in one piece with the package. In all the packages described in the above documents, the overlapping portion, when present, is constituted by 2 layers of a film material. As a result, the two layers of overlapped material provide an additional thickness. Also, in most cases, the overlap is, in fact, an additional piece of film material that is cut and placed in such a way that it overlaps the primary part of the film material that forms the package body. There is a need for packaging for tissues that have a maximized orifice, which offer all the comfort to dispatch the tissues. There is a need for a package that offers a better level of protection to the facial tissues that are inside the package, thanks to a dispensing orifice that overlaps and that at the same time is relatively simple to manufacture. There is a need for a package consisting of flexible film materials having overlapping portions and using the material optimally. There is a need for packaging of this type that is also designed and manufactured in such a way as to reduce the cost of production, material and capital. There is a need for a packaging of this type, the manufacture of which is relatively easy. There is a need for such a package that in the overlap area of the dispensing orifice does not have a double layer of material. Finally, there is a need for a package of this type that combines many of the stated advantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention describes a package that can be used as a package for paper tissues. The package is formed of a flexible film material that forms the package and, optionally, the film material can comprise two layers of partially bonded flexible film materials. When the film is forming the packaging, the film material has portions that overlap with other portions. In addition to the overlapping portions, the film material has no overlapping portions and the package has a dispensing orifice. The package is formed in such a way that the overlapping portions of the film material overlap with other portions of the overlapping film material. The portions of the non-overlapping film material have a first thickness. The overlapping portions of the film material have a second and third thickness. The packaging is also characterized because the second and third thicknesses are less than the first thickness. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the process of making a package of this type. For example, the present invention can be applied to a tissue package that has a dispensing orifice covered by a panel (or a flap) that overlaps one or two of the walls of the package. In one of the embodiments, the overlapping portion (for example a flap) can cover the dispensing orifice and overlap to another portion of overlap when the package is in its final bent configuration. In one embodiment, the present invention combines at least two relatively thin layers of material that are cut and joined so that the portions of material that overlap are thinner than the portions that do not overlap: the two layers of film material are laminated almost in all its surface, except in the portions that are going to form the overlaps of the packaging. In those areas, only one layer of the material is present. In the film material slits and cuts are made to define the dispensing orifice when folding the package. One of the advantages of the packaging of the invention is that the use of the film material is optimized and that the manufacture of the packaging is relatively simple.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is an isometric view of an example of the packaging of the present invention (a package of disposable tissues). Figure 2 shows a first layer of film material used to form the package. Figure 3 shows a second layer of film material used to form the package.

Figure 4 shows the packing material resulting from laminating the first and second layers of the film material. Figure 5 represents an isometric view of a package, showing the arrangement of the 2 laminated layers of film material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions Figure 1 shows and defines, for the purposes of this document: • The front panels (1) are defined as the panels with the largest area. The package (10) exemplified in Figure 1 has 2 front panels. For simplicity, when reference is made in this document to the front panel of the package, it refers to the panel containing the dispensing orifice or a part thereof. • The side panels are marked with the number (2), the top panel with the (3) and the bottom panel with the (4). • The dispensing orifice (9) is the opening through which the products can be attached (the facial tissue, in the case of a package with tissues) and, possibly, removed from the package during the dispensing operation. • The flap or closure means (5) is a piece of material that can be moved between a closed position and a position open, and can cover, at least partially, the dispensing orifice. The flap can be articulated at the joint (6) which is connected to a panel or to an edge of the package. The periphery of the closing means (5) then has a "connected portion" (7) (which articulates in a hinge (6)) and a "non-connected portion" (8). The peripheral portion (8) not connected is not permanently connected to the package. In the present invention, the flap covers not only the dispensing orifice but also the overlapping area (20) which overlaps a portion of the material forming a panel, preferably the front panel. • The resealable adhesive tape or resealable piece (11) is a piece of material capable of securing the flap in its closed position and, in general, allows reopening the package when the user requires it to allow the dispatch operation. For the purposes of the present invention, the following terms and phrases are defined, which are used interchangeably and with the same meaning: - Products or articles such as handkerchiefs, disposable handkerchiefs, paper towels or tissue paper cloths. Film, flexible film, wrapping material or packaging material describes the flexible material that constitutes the most of the packaging. The flexible film used in the present invention can be any type of film suitable for the production of packaging that combines flexibility and strength. In certain embodiments, the film may be a heat sealable film containing polyethylene or polypropylene, or mixtures thereof. Packaging or container is a receptacle for products intended, in general, to protect and maintain the products together during storage and use. Preferably, the package has at least one panel that is a substantially flat surface. Dispensing orifice, orifice or dispensing opening: hole through which the individual product (eg paper tissues) is usually removed from the package. - Dispatch flap, flap or closure means describes the piece of material that covers, at least partially, the dispensing orifice. It also describes a part of the packaging material intended to cover part of another portion of packaging material in the final packaging configuration. - Overlapping, projection, overlapping, overlapping or overlapping portion of the film material: for the purposes of the present invention, an overlapping portion is defined as a portion of film material which, in the configuration The desired end of the package and under normal conditions of use, may overlap with another portion of the packaging film material (for reasons of reciprocity, that other portion of material that is overlapped is also defined as an overlapping portion, since both portions they overlap each other). In one embodiment of the present invention, an overlapping portion is located in the flap that covers the dispensing orifice: By closing the flap against the front panel, the overlap can cover a part of the panel front (to ensure better protection of the products inside the packaging). Non-overlapping, non-overlapping or non-overlapping portion of the film material is defined as a portion of the packaging film material which, in the final configuration of the packaging and under normal conditions of use, it is not intended to overlap with another portion of material. However, it is understood that the material of the film of the invention is normally a flexible film. For this reason, any portion of the packaging could be considered can overlap with another portion when the package is crushed, flattened, bent or pressed. The above definitions exclude, specifically, those cases that are not "normal conditions of use" and those in which a crushed, pressed, flattened or folded packing is not in its "desired final configuration". Thickness or caliper of the film material is measured in accordance with the method provided below. It is understood that the thickness of a layer is the average thickness of that material, measured in the areas where the material is homogeneous and of practically constant thickness (it is understood that common film materials, such as those used for the purposes of this invention, are usually supplied as raw materials having a practically constant thickness).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the context of packaging for products such as paper handkerchiefs, it can be easily understood that a large flap that covers the entire dispensing orifice and extends over it to create an overlap in one of the panels is extremely beneficial in protecting the products that are inside the packaging. However, a large overlap like this can imply an additional and significant material cost. This can also present the technical difficulty of needing a particular process and / or a secondary material for the flap or overlap. The patent application WO98 / 06369 uses, for this purpose, an additional piece of material, while in the document EP 0553 660 to create the overlap with the material a Z fold is formed. DE 35 42 999 A1 uses, for that purpose, a resealable adhesive tape of larger dimensions. In none of the cases of conventional packaging, the mere fact of having an overlapping portion of film material decreases the optimal utilization of the film, since the overlap represents an area with a double amount of film material. In addition, the thickness of that additional material can cause some problems in certain types of packaging. In the present invention, the package includes 2 (or 3 or more) layers of material that are generally joined in face-to-face relationship to practically constitute the package body. However, in the areas of overlap the 2 (or 3 or more) layers of material are not linked, but only juxtaposed. The slits and cuts that define the dispensing orifice of the package are cut into the film material. They are located in each layer in such a way that they do not overlap when the layers are juxtaposed and joined. The portions of the film material located between the slits are not joined, therefore they can not separate the flap from the panel when the package is in its final bent configuration. This construction creates an overlapping area that surrounds the surrounding dispensing orifices, which ensures good protection for packaged products. Figure 1 shows a particular example of the packaging of the present invention. The package (10) comprises panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 21, en say front panel, side panels, bottom panel and rear panel) and a dispensing orifice (9). The packaging is made with a flexible film material. The packaging body is made of at least 2 layers of bonded film material (note that the layers of bonded flexible film material, considered as one unit, also represents a flexible film material for packaging). A flap (5), connected in an articulated manner to the body of the package, covers the dispensing orifice (9) and overlaps a portion of the film material forming the front panel (1) (thus ensuring greater protection of the products). ). It should be noted that each layer of the flexible film material that can be used in accordance with the present invention can have a comparatively smaller caliper (and / or a lower basis weight) as compared to conventional packages: because to form the packaging body use (at least) a double layer of material, the film material that protects the products is, in total, as thick and strong as in conventional packaging. In Figure 2, a first piece of film material 12 is shown for relatively thin packing. This constitutes the first layer of film material in the packaging construction. The film material (12) is cut into a substantially rectangular shape. This shape corresponds to the material necessary to form the packing (10), practically in the form of a parallelepiped, of Figure 1. The material is separated thanks to the slit (13) in the material corresponding to the shape of the flap (5) shown in Figure 1. The slit (13) will delineate the edge of the dispensing orifice in the formed packing. Similarly, in Figure 3 a second piece of material (14) for relatively thin packing is shown. This will constitute the second layer of the film material in the construction of the package (10). With respect to the first layer, a slit (15) is cut in the second piece of film material. The slit (15) of the second piece of film material (14) preferably has a shape very similar to the shape of the slit (13) of the first piece of the film material (12). However, in other embodiments, the slits may have totally different shapes. It is to be noted, however, that the position of the slits (13, 15) (with respect to the pieces of material) is different in the first (12) and second (14) pieces of the film material. The material of the first and second pieces (12, 14) of the flexible film material can be the same or its composition can be different. Preferably, its composition, thickness and characteristics are adapted to provide the package body with the desired characteristics (strength, color, softness, etc.). An advantage of the present invention is that the film material can be substantially thinner (and / or have a lower basis weight) than the film material used in making the conventional package. This is possible by using a double layer of material to form the walls of the final package (ie the first and second pieces of film material attached). In one embodiment, the film material used in the present invention has a basis weight of less than 30 g / m2, more preferably less than 25 g / m2 and, most preferably less than 20 g / m2. The film material (12, 14) may have printed decorative markings or other distinctive visual markings such as logos, images or text related to the product. Figure 4 shows the pieces of film material (12, 14) of Figure 3 and 4 superimposed to form all the material that forms the package body (10). That film (constituted by the first (12) and second (14) pieces of the superimposed film material) will be folded, further separated and joined so that it adopts the three-dimensional configuration of the package (10). The slits (13, 15) of the first and second layers of material, preferably do not overlap or intersect one over the other. The pieces of film material (12, 14) are joined on most of their surface, except in the area between the slits (13, 15). The reference number (16) indicates the area where the 2 layers are joined. The number (17) indicates the area where the 2 layers are not joined, but only superimposed. This area (17) becomes the overlapping area (20) of the folded package (10).

The 2 layers can be joined using any means that ensures the adhesion of the layers, for example with glue, thermobonding, high pressure lamination or by any combination of these. Figure 5 represents a cross section of the package l (10) (indicated as A-A 'in Figure 1). In the illustration, to facilitate understanding, the 2 layers (12, 14) of the film material are shown as separate entities while the layers (12, 14) are preferably joined in such a way that they practically constitute a single piece of film material once joined and that do not separate during use. The edges of the dispensing orifice (9) and of the overlapping flap (5) constitute the edge (23) of the first layer (formed from the slit (13) of the first layer of the film material (12)) and the edge (22) of the second layer (14) (formed from the slit (15) in the second layer (14)). The overlap is defined by the material portion of the first (12) and second (14) layers that are located between the slits (13).,fifteen). The overlapping portion (25) of the first layer (12) of material overlaps with the second overlapping portion (24) of the second layer (14) of material. The thickness of the portions of material that do not overlap (24) is called the first thickness. In one embodiment, the first thickness is the overall thickness of the walls or panels of the package (except in the overlapping portions). In one embodiment, the total thickness of the panels of the package is practically the thickness of the two joined layers (12, 14) of material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the overlapping portions of material (24, 25 in the area (20)) are constituted by only one of the layers. The thickness of the overlapping portions is practically the same thickness of their corresponding individual layer of film material. These constitute the so-called second and third thicknesses. Note that the second and third thicknesses can be the same (for example when using the same film material for the first (12) and second (14) layers or different layers. Preferably, the second and third thicknesses are equal. In certain embodiments of this invention, one or more layers of the film material used in the construction of the package can be made from the same material (ie they can be identical). In other embodiments, the first layer (12) or the second layer (14) may be different and / or have the same or different thicknesses compared to the second or third thicknesses. A method for measuring the thickness of the film material is provided herein. Any industry standard method is suitable, as long as the measurements of the overlapping portions and non-overlapping portions of material are made using the same method. Thanks to the construction, the thickness of each overlapping portion of material (24, 25) (referred to as second and third thicknesses) is less than the thickness of the non-overlapping film portion, called the first thickness (shown with the reference number (26)). ) in Figure 5). In the embodiment illustrated in a simplified manner in Figure 5, the thickness of the overlapping film portion is approximately half the thickness of the portions not film overlaps: The overlapping portion (24, 25) includes only 1 layer of film, while the non-overlapping portion (26) includes 2 layers of film. Preferably, the overall total thickness of the overlapping portions of the film material (the sum of the second and third thicknesses) is less than 1.8 times the thickness of the non-overlapping portion. (first thickness), but can be less than 1.5 times or, more preferably less than 1.2 times. Because the total thickness of the overlapping portions of material (in the area of the flap) is less than the first thickness (overall thickness of the walls or panels of the package), it is easily understood that the use of the material can be optimized: In the area of the flap, in general, no portion of the film is thicker than the overall thickness of the panels of the package. This helps reduce the cost of material per package. A better closure, handling and functionality of the flap is also contemplated.

Packaging manufacturing process of the present invention: The present invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the package of the invention. As illustrated in the description of the figures, the process of the present invention includes the steps of separating the pieces of packaging film material by cutting the slits and joining the pieces of material in a face-to-face relationship, such that the slits of each piece of material do not overlap each other: no part of any slit is superimposed on any part of any other slit. The The combined layers of material are then folded, further separated and joined together to form the final desired package configuration. The slits are formed in such a way as to define and delineate the dispensing orifice of the package when it is formed. One of the stages of the process joins the layers of film material. This can be done using any means to ensure adequate adhesion of the layers (for example with glue, thermoforming, high pressure lamination, application of binders, etc.). However, the area between the slits is not subject to any adhesion (in addition to the presence of the resealable adhesive tape). That area thus forms the overlapping portions of the package. The non-adhesion area is practically the area located between the slits when the 2 layers of film material overlap. The non-adhesion area is delimited by virtual lines that extend from the end points of one slit to the corresponding end points of the other slit. Nevertheless, one can anticipate that the non-adhered area can be adapted to match the desired design and additional functionalities. This can make it possible to design the flap with a specific configuration and shape of overlap area: For example, non-adhered areas that extend around the slits (and not only between the slits) can create more flexibility in the packaging and allow an optimal dispatch. The non-adhesion area can be created using a discontinuity in the adhesion process, a selection of the adhesion area, the masking of the area during the adhesion process, to avoid being affected by the adhesion process, or using any other suitable means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slits are substantially parallel: the slits are practically identical and the distance between them (when the layers overlap) is practically constant (the distance along the tangential direction of a slit) . For the purposes of the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" is understood to include, but not be limited to, the parallelism of each portion of the slits, for example a curved line portion or a straight line portion. Also included is the approximate parallelism of the general directions of the slits and the correspondence with their shape. In other preferred embodiments, the slits are curved and have no straight portion. In other additional embodiments, the slits of the first and second layers are not parallel but their shape is adapted to form a functional opening in the three-dimensional configuration of the formed package. It is easily understood that one of the advantages of the process of the present invention is that it avoids cutting pieces of materials that need to be removed from the manufacturing lines (ie in the layers only slits are made). This increases the efficiency of the manufacturing process and reduces the cost of the material.

Example of Tempo® paper tissue packaging: It has been found that a tissue package can be made in accordance with this invention. The film material is distributed by Bischof + Klein GmbH, (Bischof + Klein GmbH &Co. Rahestraße 47 49525 Lengerich, Germany), and is 100% polyethylene with a thickness of 18 micrometers. Two pieces of the film material (previously printed with the desired graphic design) are cut into the desired shape, so that each one of them yields a layer of film to make the package. The pieces of film material are joined by applying (by conventional glue application) a thin layer of glue (for example glue of the type 2k-LF570 / Harter 130, distributed by Herberts GmbH, 42271 Wuppertal, Germany) in the first and second pieces of material, and immediately laminating the two pieces with sufficient pressure to ensure the almost permanent bonding of the layers. The glue application leaves, in each layer, a glue-free area (the glue-free area forms the overlapping portion of the packing material). Once laminated, the layers are subjected to a standard process to form a flexible package from a flexible film: the material is bent, sealed and further cut following the procedures known in the industry. Similarly, additional pieces of material (such as a resealable adhesive tape) are added.

Methods: Thickness of the film (Film gauge): the gauges (or thicknesses) of the films of the present invention are measured (unless otherwise indicated) in accordance with the international standard method ISO-4593 (second edition) 1993-11-15) entitled "Plastics-films and sheeting-determination of thickness by mechanical scanning" (Determination of thickness of plastic sheets and films through mechanical scanning). Base weight of the film: the basis weights (g / m2) of the films of the present invention are determined (unless otherwise indicated) in accordance with the international standard DIN-ISO 536, issued on June 15, 1976 While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It has been intended, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1- A package that can be used to pack paper tissues; the package comprises a flexible film material which forms the package and, optionally, the film material is formed by two layers of partially bonded flexible film materials; The film material has portions that overlap with other portions when the film is forming the package; the film material has, in addition to the overlapping portions, portions of film material that do not overlap; the package has a dispensing orifice; characterized in that the overlapping portions of the film material overlap with other overlapping portions of the film material; characterized in that the non-overlapping portions of the film material have a first thickness; and characterized in that the overlapping portions of the film material have a second and a third thicknesses; characterized in that the second and third thicknesses are smaller than the first thickness.

2- The packaging according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sum of the second and third thicknesses is less than 1.8 times the first thickness.

3- The packaging according to claim 2, further characterized in that the sum of the second and third thicknesses is less than 1.5 times the first thickness.

4- The packaging according to claim 3, further characterized in that the sum of the second and third thicknesses is less than 1.2 times the first thickness.

5- The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the flexible film material comprises two layers of flexible film material joined together.

6- The package according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the overlapping portions of the film material delineate the dispensing orifice.

7- The process to prepare a package that can be used to pack tissues; the package comprises a flexible film material, further characterized in that the package comprises a portion of the film material that overlaps with another portion of the film material; the manufacturing process comprises the steps of: • providing a first portion of a flexible film material; • providing a second portion of a flexible film material; • Cut a first slit in the first portion; • cutting a second slit in the second portion; • overlapping the first portion and the second portion of film material so that no part of the first slit overlaps any part of the second slit; • joining the first portion of film material with the second portion of film material through the common interface in the selected areas to form a laminate material, so that the area between the slits remains unattached; • fold and join the laminate to create the package.

8- The process according to claim 7, further characterized in that the first slit and the second slit are practically parallel

9- The process according to claim 7 or 8, further characterized in that the first slit and the second slit delineate the packing dispensing opening 10. The process according to claim 7, 8 or 9, further characterized in that the first slit and the second slit form a shipping flap in the package 11- The process according to claim 7 , 8, 9 or 10, further characterized by: All the portions of the first slit are at a distance greater than 0.5 mm and less than 50 mm from the nearest portions of the second slit. 12- The process according to claims 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, further characterized in that: The first and second film materials have identical compositions. 13- The process according to claims 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, further characterized in that: The first and second film materials have different compositions or different thicknesses. 14- The process according to claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, further characterized in that: The first and second slits have an identical shape. 15- The process according to claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, further characterized in that: The first and second slits have different shapes. 16- The process according to claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, further characterized in that: The process supplies a third film material and because the package contains a third portion of material of film comprising a slit.